Catricala, Maurer honored by parent team
September 11, 2009 - Appalachian League (ApL)
Pulaski Mariners News Release
PULASKI _ Seattle Mariners Director of Minor League Operations Pedro Grifol announced today the Mariners Minor League Most Valuable Players and Player Development Staff of the Year awards. Pulaski thirdbaseman Vinnie Catricala was named the year's most valuable player at Pulaski's rookie level, while Brandon Maurer was named the pitcher of the year.
"All of these players deserve credit for the hard work they have put in this season," Grifol said. "Our nine teams finished with a combined .528 winning percentage that ranked fifth out of all 30 Major League farm systems. Our coaching and Player Development staffs do a great job with the development of all the players throughout our system."
Catricala led Pulaski with eight homers and 40 RBIs. He finished the season with a batting average of .301.
Maurer picked up three wins this season in Pulaski and was a consistent part of the team's starting rotation. He finished with a 3.61 ERA and had 51 strikeouts.
In addition, Seattle recognized Catcher Brandon Bantz who started the season in Pulaski and later transferred to Everett.
The Mariners instituted the Ellis Award in 1998 to recognize community involvement by players in their minor league system. In 2009, Mariners minor leaguers were very active in the community, bringing the total hours contributed by the Mariners minor leaguers to over 9,000 hours in the last 12 years. Catcher Brandon Bantz and pitcher Christian Staehely were honored as the co-individual award winners and the Everett AquaSox, the Mariners Single-A affiliate in the Northwest League, were honored for having the top overall team commitment.
"The Mariners organization prides itself on community involvement by players and staff at all levels," Grifol said. "We try to emphasize the value of being good citizens and role models. In addition, our affiliates understand the importance of reaching out to their communities, which is one of the reasons we enjoy our relationships with each club. We actively encourage all of our players to participate in these efforts."
The AquaSox, honored for their overall team commitment, went 39-37 and finished second in the Northwest League West Division. This was the first year since 1998 that the AquaSox received the Ellis Award, as the team and staff were active throughout the Everett area in several community endeavors. The AquaSox are dedicated to supporting the community that supports them. It is the team's goal to be a responsible, proactive force in the community, championing causes and helping people. Everett accumulated over 150 hours of community service throughout the 2009 season, including participating in community baseball camps, and autograph signings and numerous player appearances.
The AquaSox also wore several special jerseys during the season that were auctioned off for local charities. Tie-dyed Frogstock jerseys were auctioned off to benefit Camp Erin, a bereavement camp for local children, and special pink jerseys were auctioned off to help raise breast cancer awareness. The game worn jerseys were autographed and auctioned, raising over $8,000 for local charities.
Teammates Brandon Bantz, 22, and Chrstian Stahaley, 23, were each honored for their individual efforts, after accumulating more then 20 hours in the Everett community. Bantz participated in the Summer Reading Celebration at Mill Creek Library, visited and signed autographs for patients at Seattle Children's hospital and spent time meeting with fans at multiple events at the ballpark including Faith & Family Night, ALS Night and baseball camp. Stahaley also made a positive influence in the community at multiple appearances, including a trip to play baseball and spend time with kids at Camp PROV, a local day camp for children with special needs and their siblings, and helping to host a local Challenger League team's day at the ballpark which included a special on-field experience after the game.
Appalachian League Stories from September 11, 2009
- Former Pulaski player tops in ERA - Pulaski Mariners
- Catricala, Maurer honored by parent team - Pulaski Mariners
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