Alvarez Is First Player Signed For 2010

Published on November 18, 2009 under American Association (AA)
Shreveport-Bossier Captains News Release


SHREVEPORT, La. - The last player that the Shreveport-Bossier Captains acquired in 2009 is the first one back for 2010, as the team announced the signing of veteran Jorge Alvarez for next season. The 42-year-old Alvarez was ninth in the American Association in 2009 with a.319 batting average split between El Paso and the Captains, and is ready for his unprecedented 23rd year of minor league baseball.

The Captains traded for Alvarez in mid-August of last season, and went 8-5 with him down the stretch in the pennant race. With Shreveport-Bossier, the native Dominican hit.315, with a homer and 12 RBIs. While he was a designated hitter more than any other position, Alvarez played 50 games in the field in 2009, at third, second, first and the outfield, making only nine errors.

But it is offense where Alvarez's on-field contributions are the most significant. His 130 hits in 2009 were tied for second in the league, his 71 runs and 76 RBIs were both fourth. 2009 also marked Alvarez's 12th.300 season in independent baseball (out of 15), and he holds a career average of.312, 185 home runs and 1,266 RBIs, numbers that make him arguably the best hitter in the history of independent baseball. If Alvarez plays in 63 games this season, he will hit 2,000 games played in his pro career, not counting countless contests in winter ball.

Originally signed by the Dodgers in 1987, Alvarez spent a very productive seven years in the Dodgers and Marlins organizations, including four years of double-A ball, from 1988-1994. He then began his tour through the independent ranks, beginning in Laredo (Texas) of the Texas-Louisiana League in 1995.

After Laredo, Alvarez spent time in Amarillo (TX-LA), Somerset (Atlantic League), Cordoba (Mexico), President (Mexico), Alexandria (Central League), San Angelo (Central League) and even two years with Shreveport, in 2003 and '04. He went to El Paso in 2005 and was there until the trade in August.

"I'm thrilled to have Jorge back again for next season," Captains manager Ricky VanAsselberg said. "He is like a another coach on the field and in the clubhouse with the guys, and as we said last year, Jorge probably forgot more about independent baseball than we'll all ever know."

The Shreveport-Bossier Captains will release the 2010 schedule in the coming days. Check back at the team's official Web site www.sbcaptains.com for any other off-season news as it develops. For information on 2010 tickets, promotions, advertising, and other opportunities with the Captains, check out the Web site as well, or call the Fair Grounds Field office at (318) 636-5555.

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American Association Stories from November 18, 2009


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