Dukes Acquire Vietnamese Utility Man

Published on June 4, 2002 under Northern League (NL)
Duluth-Superior Dukes News Release


(Duluth, MN) Duluth-Superior Dukes field manager, Al Gallagher, announced the acquisition of utility man, Bao-Nhan Vinh, from the St. Paul Saints for cash.

"Johnny," 25, is the first Vietnamese-born player in Northern League history and only the fourth in professional baseball in recent recorded history.

Dukes fans received a glimpse of Vinh last week during a three-game home stand against the Saints. During the series, he went 2 for 11 with 1 run.

Vinh is hitting .160 this season (4 for 25) with 1 run and 1 RBI.

Last season, while playing for the Chico Heat of the Western League, Vinh tore-up opposing pitchers with a batting average of .367 (72 for 196) with 28 RBI and 7 SB.

"Johnny' is a very versatile player who can play all positions," said Gallagher. "We hope that the great season he had last year will carry through for a big season with us."

Born Bao-Nhan Vinh (pronounced boww-nan VIN) in Saigon, Vietnam. He and his family moved to California at age 2. Vihn and Cincinnati Reds pitcher Danny Graves are the only two Vietnamese-born professional baseball players currently playing.

Vinh was the starting second baseman on the Cal State-Chico 1999 NCAA Division II championship. In 1999 and 2000, he hit .381 and .388, respectively, and was a California Collegiate Athletic Association first team selection both seasons.

Vihn will join the Dukes on Friday for the 3-game road trip to Lincoln to face the Saltdogs.

* * * * * * * * *

DUKE IT OUT AT THE WADE

The Dukes, in conjunction with Horton's Gym, Sharky Promotions, Champps Americana and Miller Lite, are hosting a professional boxing match at Wade Stadium on this Friday, while the team is in Lincoln.

Tickets for the event are $10 and $30 in advance. Gates open at 7PM. Call the Dukes office at 727.4525 for tickets and more information.

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Northern League Stories from June 4, 2002


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central