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Burch and Gray Named Postseason All-Stars

August 28, 2009 - American Association (AA)
Pensacola Pelicans News Release


The Pensacola Pelicans announced today that the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball named Antoin Gray and Chase Burch postseason All-Stars. Antoin Gray was named the second baseman of the postseason team, with Chase Burch named the designated hitter. The honor follows up midseason recognition of both Pelicans as All-Stars in July. Both Burch and Gray represented the Pelicans in the Home Run Derby as well. The Derby spots were not surprising, considering Antoin Gray leads the Pelicans with 14 home runs, and Chase Burch ranks second on the squad with eight.

Antoin Gray hit the Pelicans' first and only grand slam of the year against the Diablos last week to bring his long ball count to 14. Gray has a team best 83 RBI on the year, the second best total in the league. He's hitting .312 with 120 hits and 69 runs for the first place Pelicans.

Chase Burch is having a phenomenal first professional season. His .342 batting average ranks third in the league, and his .438 on-base percentage is fourth best. Burch is currently on a 48 game consecutive on-base streak, a league record. Burch tied Scooter Jordan's record of 45 straight game reaching base in Fort Worth on Monday.

After playing for Auburn University at Montgomery in 2008, Burch joins the Pelicans for his first pro year. The 2008 Senator batted .407 last year with 16 homeruns. He was named Southern States Athletic Conference tournament MVP after hitting four round trippers and bringing in 16 runs. The slugger has been a powerful presence in the middle of the lineup, along with teammate Antoin Gray.

Gray came to the Pelicans from the Winnipeg Goldeyes as part of a three-team, six-player trade on May 6. Originally selected by the Chicago White Sox in round 25 of the 2003 draft, Antoin Gray has played independent ball the last four seasons. His best year was 2006, playing for both North Shore and Rio Grande: on the season he had a .304 average with 23 doubles, 22 homeruns, 88 RBI, 83 runs scored, and 10 steals.

The honors come to Burch and Gray as the Pelicans look to clinch their first ever American Association South Division title. The Pelicans need just one more win to clinch their first playoff appearance since 2005. The Pelicans play the final three games of the regular season at home in Pensacola, and look to clinch in front of their fans. Tickets are very affordable, beginning as low as $7. Tickets are available at Pensacola-area Circle K locations, or online at www.pensacolapelicans.com. Phone orders may be placed by calling (850) 934-8444.



American Association Stories from August 28, 2009


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