Colts RF Bryan Frichter named ULB Rookie of the Year
August 12, 2008 - United League Baseball (ULB)
San Angelo Colts News Release
SAN ANGELO, Texas - For San Angelo Colts right fielder Bryan Frichter, a new chapter has been added to his storybook 2008 season on Tuesday, as the 23-year-old won the United League Baseball Rookie-of-the-Year award. The United League announced all of its end-of-season awards Tuesday, and San Angelo garnered two other honors in addition to Frichter's award. Foster Field, maintained by Colts stadium superintendent Joe Stapp and his crew, was named the Playing Surface of the Year for the second time in a row and San Angelo's radio announcer, Frank Mentesana, was voted Broadcaster of the Year.
Frichter earned himself a spot with the Colts after impressing team personnel at the United League's open player tryout in Southaven, Mississippi on April 19 and 20. The Chalmette, Louisiana native then made the team out of training camp and has gone on to have an outstanding rookie season, batting .348 (sixth in the league) with 12 homers and 58 RBIs in 79 games, 67 of them in right field. The right-handed hitter has led the league in doubles virtually from the beginning of the season until now, as he continues to do so with 32 doubles. Frichter is also tied for the fourth most hits in the league with 114 and tied for second in extra-base hits with 46. In addition, Frichter was voted to play for the ULB All-Stars in the inaugural United League vs. Golden League All-Star Game on July 15, distinguishing himself as the only rookie on either squad.
"Bryan winning is not really a surprise to me, his only other competition was our third baseman (Aaron) Cone, who definitely could have won the award as well," said Colts manager Doc Edwards, who has led the Colts to a league best record of 50-29. "He (Frichter) has all the tools-he can run, throw, field, and hit for power, and has a very bright future."
This is the second season in a row that the Colts can claim the Rookie of the Year after former San Angelo center fielder Ronnie Gaines won the award in 2007. Gaines was signed by the Chicago White Sox organization following the season, and he was just recently promoted to Winston-Salem (Advanced Single-A) of the Carolina League.
Amarillo Dillas shortstop Danny Bravo, the league's leading hitter with a .381 average, becomes the first Dilla to be voted the league's Most Valuable Player. Amarillo manager Brady Bogart has been named the 2008 ULB Manager of the Year, leading the Dillas to a first-half title in his first year as skipper. In addition, La Kiva Hotel in Amarillo was honored as Hotel of the Year.
The Laredo Broncos boast the Pitcher of the Year: hard-throwing right-handed starter Santo Hernandez, who has the lowest ERA in the league at 3.49 and the most strikeouts with 122. Finally, the Alexandria Aces and their visiting clubhouse manager Eric Doyle were honored with Clubhouse of the Year. The awards were voted on by the ULB field managers, media personnel and league office members.
"I'm very proud of not only Bryan, Joe, and Frank, but all of the players, Doc and the coaching staff, and the front office staff for an excellent season so far," said Colts GM Mike Babcock. "We not only have a first-place team but a first-rate staff, and we are hoping it could all come together to give the fans in San Angelo a championship."
Stapp won his award despite getting very little rain at Foster Field this season. Only one Colts game in 2008 was affected by weather. Stapp also had the added responsibility of preparing the field for the inaugural United League-Golden League All-Star Game, held on July 14 at Foster Field.
Mentesana is in his third season of broadcasting professional baseball, and his second as the voice of the Colts. Joined by Josh Hirsch for broadcasts in San Angelo, the native Brooklynite previously won the 2003 New York State AP Broadcasters Award for Best Sports Coverage and the 2004 Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for Best Large Market Sports Reporting.
The Colts continue their week-long road trip with the opener of a three-game set against the Harlingen WhiteWings at 7:05 p.m. CT on Tuesday, August 12. San Angelo returns for the final home series of the regular season on Friday, August 15, with a Back-to-School Kit Giveaway, sponsored by 211 Texas. Advertising, ticket, and group information are available by calling the box office at (325) 942-6587. All Colts games are broadcast live on "Cool 100" - KCLL 100.1 FM and online at the Colts' official website, www.sanangelocolts.com, which is updated daily with the latest team news.
United League Baseball Stories from August 12, 2008
- Aces hold off rain, opponents, for win - Alexandria Aces
- James dominant as Colts offense strikes early again in win - San Angelo Colts
- Coyotes Clinch Playoff Spot - Edinburg Roadrunners
- Broncos Drop 4th Straight Game Against Coyotes - Laredo Broncos
- Nehls Strong in Loss - Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings
- Colts RF Bryan Frichter named ULB Rookie of the Year - San Angelo Colts
- Dillas' Bravo Wins League MVP - Amarillo Dillas
- Dillas and Colts rack up United League's End-of-Season Awards - ULB
- Dillas and Colts rack up United League's End-of-Season Awards - Amarillo Dillas
- Santo Hernandez Named Pitcher of the Year - Laredo Broncos
- Dillas and Colts rack up United League's End-of-Season Awards - ULB
- Aces Announce LA Capitol F.C.U. Night - Alexandria Aces
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