Four IronBirds Honored as All-Stars
Published on August 12, 2009 under New York-Penn League (NYPL)
Aberdeen IronBirds News Release
ABERDEEN, MD- The New York-Penn League announced their All-Stars for the 2009 season today and three IronBirds have been selected to play. Infielders Levi Carolus and Ty Kelly will be joined by reliever Jake Smith and 'Birds pitching coach Scott McGregor at the annual game that will be held in State College, PA on August 18.
Levi Carolus leads the 'Birds in nearly every offensive category. Posting a .311 average in 40 games with a team-high 13 doubles and 21 RBIs, Carolus has been a staple in the middle of Aberdeen's order. A native of Curacao, Carolus was signed as a non-drafted free agent in 2004.
"This is my dream. It's my first time picked to be an All-Star," Carolus said with a smile. "I always wanted to play in an All-Star game and now I have a chance."
Ty Kelly has been a steady bat and glove for Aberdeen in 2009. The switch hitting third baseman/second baseman is batting .286 with one home run, 12 RBIs and five doubles. The contact swinger boasts the fewest strikeouts of any 'Bird with a minimum of 80 at-bats. Kelly also leads the 'Birds in sacrifices and base on balls. The 13th round pick of the 2009 draft, Kelly is enjoying immediate success at the professional level.
"This is a big compliment to be picked to play. It's a nice thing to be able to play and an honor and a privilege," commented Kelly.
Jake Smith rounds out the All-Stars for Aberdeen. The left-handed reliever has been a rock out of the 'Birds bullpen. The long reliever has put up a 1.42 ERA in 14 outings, all while striking out 29 in 31.2 innings. His .207 average against is amongst the best on the team. A 45th round choice in the 2007 draft, Smith is back in Aberdeen for a third season and his numbers have improved dramatically from his 2008 campaign.
"After being here for three years, it's obviously a huge honor," Smith said. "It's a great honor to play with the league's best players and I'm looking forward to a fun experience."
Scott McGregor earned the nod as the pitching coach for the American League All-Stars when Mahoning Valley's Ken Rowe backed out due to prior commitments. McGregor has coached IronBirds pitching to a stingy 3.30 team ERA. His bullpen is second in the NYPL with 15 saves and have walked a third-fewest 151. McGregor is best known for recording the final out in the 1983 World Series. A Major League Baseball All-Star in 1981, McGregor is no stranger to accolades.
The Fifth Annual New York-Penn League All-Star Game festivities will begin on Monday, August 17 in State College, PA. The game itself will be played on August 18 at 7:15pm at Medlar Field at Lubrano Park.
New York-Penn League Stories from August 12, 2009
- Tigers Maul Spikes - State College Spikes
- Scrappers Defeat Cyclones 12-1 - Mahoning Valley Scrappers
- Batavia Beats Vermont - Vermont Lake Monsters
- Hudson Valley Fails to Hold Lead in a 5-3 Loss to Tri-City - Hudson Valley Renegades
- Spikes-Tigers Game Postponed - State College Spikes
- Four Lake Monsters Selected To NY-Penn League All-Star Game - Vermont Lake Monsters
- Four IronBirds Honored as All-Stars - Aberdeen IronBirds
- Spinners Pitcher Yeiper Castillo Added To All-Star Roster - Lowell Spinners
- Five Crosscutters Named to All-Star Squad - Williamsport Crosscutters
- State College Spikes Game Notes - State College Spikes
- Four Spinners Headed To Ny-Penn League All-Star Game - Lowell Spinners
- Three Muckdogs Make All-Star Roster - Batavia Muckdogs
- 2009 NYPL All-Star Game Rosters Announced - State College Spikes
- IronBirds Game Notes August 12th - Aberdeen IronBirds
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.
