EL1 Richmond Flying Squirrels

Chris Heston Named Eastern League Pitcher of the Year

Published on September 1, 2012 under Eastern League (EL1)
Richmond Flying Squirrels News Release


RICHMOND, VA - The Richmond Flying Squirrels, in conjunction with the Eastern League of Professional Baseball Clubs, are pleased to announce that RHP Chris Heston has been named the Eastern League Pitcher of the Year for the 2012 season. The award, voted on by EL managers and media members, is the first post-season honor bestowed upon a Flying Squirrel in the three-year history of the franchise. Heston will be honored by the Squirrels in a pregame ceremony prior to Saturday's night game against Akron.

It is the crowning achievement for the 24-year old in a season that has included many accolades. Heston was previously honored as the right-handed starting pitcher on the EL Post-Season All-Star Team. He was also named an EL Mid-Season All-Star and was given the honor of starting the 2012 Baseballtown All-Star Classic for the Western Division.

He is poised to claim the EL ERA title, leading the league at a mark of 2.13 heading into his final start of the year on Sunday against the Aeros. He is also ranked among the league leaders in a handful of other categories including; WHIP (1.09-2nd), strikeouts (130-4th), opponents batting average (.227-5th), and complete games (1-tied 10th). Additionally, Heston has posted the 4th lowest ERA in all of full-season minor league baseball. He is currently 2nd in all of Double-A baseball.

The Palm Bay, FL, native was also recognized as the EL Pitcher of the Week (May 21st - 27th) after posting a record of 2-0 with 20 strikeouts and an ERA of 0.64 during the period. Over the course of 24 starts, the East Carolina product has turned in nine scoreless outings and has only surrendered more than three earned runs in a single outing three times.

A 12th round selection of the San Francisco Giants in 2009, Heston is also lauded by Baseball America for having the "best control" in the EL. He was a Giants' organizational all-star following the 2011 season after going 12-4 with a California League-best ERA of 3.16 with the San Jose Giants.

***The Squirrels will also recognize LHP Mike Kickham during Saturday's pregame ceremony for his selection to the EL Post-Season All-Star Team. Additionally, the team will announce the 2012 Team Most Valuable Player and Pitcher of the Year.

Saturday's game is one of just three games remaining for the Squirrels in the 2012 season. Tickets remain for the three games over the Labor Day weekend and can be purchased at SquirrelsBaseball.com .

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