Dan Altavilla and Tyler O'Neill Named Postseason All Stars
August 21, 2015 - California League (CalL1)
Bakersfield Blaze News Release
BAKERSFIELD, CA - Bakersfield Blaze outfielder Tyler O'Neill and right-handed pitcher Dan Altavilla have been named to the 2015 California League Postseason All-Star Team, as voted on by managers and broadcasters of the California League's ten teams.
O'Neill was the Mariners' 3rd round pick in the 2013 draft out of Garibaldi Secondary School, and enjoyed a breakout season while with Bakersfield this year. Currently leading the league in homers with 28, O'Neill also leads the Blaze in runs batted-in, with 76, and stole 16 bases in a row earlier in the season. Tyler has only played in 91 games on the year while missing time to play for Team Canada in the Pan-Am Games, an adventure that resulted in a gold medal for the young resident of British Columbia. Upon his return, O'Neill homered in nine of his next 12 games, including a four-game homer streak.
Altavilla was drafted a year later than O'Neill, though Dan played college ball at Mercyhurst College in Pennsylvania. When the Mariners drafted Altavilla in the 5th round in 2014, he became the highest player ever drafted out of the institution. With the Blaze in 2015, Altavilla has been a pillar of consistency, making all 25 starts without once missing his turn in the rotation. He leads the Blaze in wins (6), innings (136.1), strikeouts (122), and has consistently been among the league-leaders in opponent batting average for a starting pitcher (.239).
"It's just awesome for both of our guys", said Max Venable, Acting Manager of the Bakersfield Blaze. "We knew Tyler had incredible power, but his strides this year have left a lot of jaws hanging, and Dan has shown great maturity for a guy in his first full professional season. They both have bright futures ahead."
The players will be honored with an award presentation by league personnel at an upcoming home game, with date to be determined.
California League Stories from August 21, 2015
- Two Pitchers, Two Homers; Blaze Victorious 5-3 - Bakersfield Blaze
- Dan Altavilla and Tyler O'Neill Named Postseason All Stars - Bakersfield Blaze
- Reed Named Cal League Most Valuable Player - Lancaster JetHawks
- Vic Zapien Named California League Clubhouse Manager of the Year - Stockton Ports
- Christian Arroyo and Chase Johnson Named to Postseason All-Star Team - San Jose Giants
- J.R. House Named California League Manager of the Year - Visalia Rawhide
- 2015 California League Field Awards and Post Season All-Stars Named - CalL1
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- Mavericks Send 66ers to Seventh Straight Loss - Inland Empire 66ers
- Giants Edge Blaze for Third Straight Win - San Jose Giants
- Shelton Delivers a Gem in 4-0 Win - Rancho Cucamonga Quakes
- Ports Open Road Trip with Key 3-0 Win - Stockton Ports
- 3-0 Shutout Sends Nuts to Fifth Straight Loss - Modesto Nuts
- O'Neill Hits 28th Dinger in 3-2 Loss - Bakersfield Blaze
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