Blaze have two All-Stars
August 26, 2005 - California League (CalL1) News Release
BAKERSFIELD, CA-- The California League today released the 2005 California League Post-Season All- Star team. This team is comprised of the best players in the California League during the season, as voted on by the League's General Managers, Broadcasters, and media members.
The Bakersfield Blaze led all Northern Division clubs with two All-Stars on the team (The Modesto Nuts also garnered two). Only three of the five Northern Division teams had players named to the team this year ( San Jose had one, joining the Blaze and the Nuts two each), as the League's Southern Division dominated the team this season. Bakersfield was represented by Ace pitcher Thomas Diamond and leading hitter Kevin Mahar.
Diamond was the only player selected to the mid- season all-star team, though he did not represent the Blaze at the mid-summer classic in Frederick, MD., he was called up to AA Frisco a week before the game. Closer Chris Cordeiro went to the mid- season game I Diamond's place. Diamond put up tremendous numbers in his half season with the Blaze, drawing comparisons to former Bakersfield star Pedro Martinez on a direct comparison of statistics. Diamond finished his Bakersfield career 8-0 with an ERA of 1.99 and led the league with his 101 strikeouts until two months after his call-up.
Mahar has enjoyed a tremendous second half of the season after starting off plagued by injuries and fighting for playing time. Mahar has been playing center field for the first time in his life and batting leadoff for the Blaze since May. Mahar is one of the clubs' offensive leaders and one of the Cal League's best hitters. His batting average has been better than .320 for months and he is near the top of the team in all three power categories, doubles (24), triples (4) and homeuns (17).
The California League post season All-Star team is an honorary list of the best players in the League over the course of a given season and does not actually play a game like the mid-season team.
California League Stories from August 26, 2005
- Blaze have two All-Stars - CalL1
- Fan appreciation weekend - Modesto Nuts
- Ports playoff tickets on-sale September 1st - Stockton Ports
- JetHawks sweep Blaze with 6-4 win - Lancaster JetHawks
- Giants hold off late Modesto rally to post 9-7 victory - San Jose Giants
- Giants Defeat Modesto 9-7 - Modesto Nuts
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