Former JetHawk Aaron Bates Makes Major League Debut
July 11, 2009 - California League (CalL1)
Lancaster JetHawks News Release
(LANCASTER, CA) - Former JetHawks first baseman Aaron Bates made his Major League debut this week when he played two games for the Boston Red Sox. A star of the JetHawks 2007 season, Bates impressive play this season had already led to a promotion from Double-A Portland to Triple-A Pawtucket before getting the call to Boston. Bates becomes the 89th player in the 14 year history of the JetHawks to move on to the big leagues after playing in Lancaster.
The debut came July 6 when the Red Sox hosted the Oakland A's at Fenway Park. He played first base and went hitless in three at bats. In his first four days with the Red Sox, Bates was started twice and served as a pinch hitter. While he is still searching for his first hit, the 25-year old Northern Californian has drawn a walk and scored his first big league run.
A key part of the offense that set a California League record by hitting 217 home runs in 2007, Bates made history by becoming the first player in the 64-year history of the league to hit four home runs in a single game. In 98 games with the JetHawks, Bates hit .332 and led the team with 24 homers. He was promoted to Double-A Portland, where he also spent all of 2008.
Bates is the fourth former JetHawk to make his Major League Debut in 2009. Pitchers Daniel Bard and Hunter Jones have also debuted with Boston this season while Esmerling Vasquez is now pitching for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The JetHawks are at the Hangar for a four-game homestand against the Inland Empire 66ers. Great ticket packages, including season tickets and flexible mini-plans, are on sale now for the 2009 season and may be ordered by calling (661) 726-5400. For more information, please visit the JetHawks official website www.JetHawks.com.
California League Stories from July 11, 2009
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- JetHawks Continue Roll, Shut Out 66ers - Lancaster JetHawks
- Ports Blank Blaze, 5-0 - Stockton Ports
- Former JetHawk Aaron Bates Makes Major League Debut - Lancaster JetHawks
- 66ers Whitewashed in Lancaster - Inland Empire 66ers
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