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FL Washington Wild Things

Five Wild Things Nominated for League Honors

August 24, 2012 - Frontier League (FL)
Washington Wild Things News Release


In an interview earlier in the 2012 season, Wild Things' manager Chris Bando broke down the season into three parts; the third of which was a push toward post-season play.

While the Things will fall short of the Frontier League playoffs, Bando's club has shown progression as the season has worn on. As Washington enters its' final homestand on Tuesday, early expectations for next season will be high with several holdover pieces from this year's team.

Five Wild Things are up for post-season awards, including Andrew Heck who is on the ballot as a nominee for the Frontie r League's Rookie of the Year.

Heck was signed by the Wild Things in early June after a brief stint with Southern Illinois. The rookie quickly made an impact in a struggling Wild Things lineup and has since led the team in batting average, hovering near the .300 mark all season long.

Currently, Heck's team-leading batting average stands at .298. The Pittsburgh native has driven in 22 runs and belted two home runs. A threat to run, Heck has also swiped 17 bases this season.

Gary Lee, Washington's lone All-Star selection, Orlando Santos, Darian Sandford and Jim Vahalik were all nominated for post-season honors, in addition to Heck.

This season, Lee has posted a 6-4 record in 15 starts this season with an ERA of 2.45. At the time of his first-ever All-Star selection, Lee was 3-3 with a 2.27 ERA, the lowest of his professional career since it started with the Aiken Foxhounds in the South Coast League.

Lee has tossed one complete game this season, and a near ho-hitter on July third to add to an excitement filled week that included the birth his daughter, Kirsten to go along with his All-Star selection.

Fellow hurler Orlando Santos also found himself among the list of Wild Things that landed on the post-season award's ballot. Santos was nominated as a relief pitcher.

Santos has solidified the closer role after Nathan Striz was signed away from the Red Sox. In 18 appearances this year, Santos has posted a minuscule .092 ERA, including nine saves.

Newcomers Darian Sandford and Jim Vahalik have added a unique dynamic to the Wild Things offense.

Sandford, the Frontier League's stolen bases leader has batted .272 since joining the Wild Things. He's also driven in ten runs and stolen 19 additional bases, bringing his season total to 64.

Vahalik's addition to the Wild Things provided some stability at the spot behind the plate, where Washington has seen ten different people suit up.

The backstop has batted .255, driving in 33 runs and scoring 26 more.

Those five, coupled with fellow Wild Things Chris Smith, Shain Stoner, Gus Benusa Jovan Rosa have been at the helm of Washington's improvement in the second half.

Since the All-Star break, Washington has put together a record of 20-20, and has been in every game.

Rosa, Vahalik, Sandford, and Mark Samuelson were acquired in a deal with the now-defunct London Rippers and have turned the Wild Things into a .500 team, just a few more pieces away from contention.

The Wild Things' season finale takes place at CONSOL Energy Park Tuesday August 28th through Sunday, September 2nd. Tickets are available at the box office.

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