Four Railroaders Named to All-Star Team
Published on July 12, 2019 under American Association (AA)
Cleburne Railroaders News Release
GARY, Ind. - At the halfway point in the 2019 season, the Cleburne Railroaders own the best record in the American Association South Division. That success was acknowledged on Friday, as Zach Nehrir, John Nester, Chase Simpson and Tyler Wilson were named to the 2019 American Association South Division All-Star Team. All three position players were named starters, while Wilson joins the South Division bullpen.
The game will be held at CHS Field in St. Paul on Tuesday, July 23 at 7:05 PM. The full rosters are available here: https://bit.ly/2GcIyEn
Nehrir was one of the first off-season acquisitions when shaping the 2019 Railroaders roster, and has proven to be a stalwart in center field. In addition to elite defensive work, the native of Orange, Calif., has delivered a well-rounded offensive campaign. With a .292 batting average, a league-leading 22 doubles, three triples and four home runs, Nehrir has produced a stellar .910 OPS through the season's first half. His walk rate has improved dramatically from 2018, with 27 bases on balls to rank top 15 in the league. After pacing the circuit with 38 steals a season ago, the fleet-of-foot outfielder has chipped in nine stolen bases in 13 attempts so far this season.
Nester is on pace for career-highs in virtually all offensive categories, bringing a .309 average with 10 home runs and 26 RBI into play on Friday. The right-handed hitting catcher ranks fourth in the league in both on-base percentage (.423) and slugging percentage (.590), in addition to his standout work behind the dish. Nester has gunned down a league-best 14 opposing base stealers, and helped the Cleburne pitching staff compile the league's third-best ERA at 4.04.
Simpson has established himself as one of the premier power hitters in the American Association, leading the league with 53 RBI and tying for second in home runs (13) and doubles (16). The switch-hitter's patience has resulted in 32 walks, sixth most in the league, and an OPS of .998. When injuries decimated the Cleburne infield, Simpson filled in wherever necessary, spending time at third base, shortstop, and second base, while also swiping six bases in six attempts.
Wilson has been nothing short of dominant out of the Cleburne bullpen this season, compiling a jaw-dropping 0.77 ERA in 21 appearances as the Railroaders closer. His 12 saves are currently tied for fourth in the league, while his 38 relief points check in at third. In 23.1 innings, Wilson has allowed only 14 hits, striking out 35 while issuing just eight walks.
The group of four are the first All-Star selections for Cleburne since former Railroaders pitcher Patrick Mincey was named to the squad in 2017.
The Railroaders continue their road swing with a three-game series against the Gary SouthShore RailCats. First pitch on Friday is scheduled for 7:10, as right-hander Jesus Sanchez (5-2, 3.52) starts for Cleburne.
For information on partnerships, season tickets, group outings, and party packages, call the Railroaders main office at (817) 945-8705, or visit the Railroaders official website at www.railroaderbaseball.com.
American Association Stories from July 12, 2019
- 'Dogs Three-Game Streak Ends in Fargo - Lincoln Saltdogs
- 'Roaders Roll RailCats in Series Opener - Cleburne Railroaders
- Birds Rally Comes up Short against Dogs - Sioux Falls Canaries
- 'Cats Losing Streak Increases to Six in 13-2 Loss to Railroaders - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Roache's Ninth-Inning Blast Pushes Dogs Past Canaries - Chicago Dogs
- Saints Sign Former All-Star Infielder Chris Baker, Hard Throwing Reliever Ryan Smith - St. Paul Saints
- T-Bones Foursome Makes All-Star Team - Kansas City Monarchs
- Murphy Rewarded for Monster First Half, Diamondbacks Purchase Outfielder's Contract - St. Paul Saints
- RailCats Sign RHP Spinnenweber to First Pro Contract - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Four Canaries Make League All-Star Game - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Willis Named to American Association All-Star Game - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Three Dogs Selected as American Association All-Stars - Chicago Dogs
- X's Get Four Named to 2019 South All-Star Team - Sioux City Explorers
- Three Goldeyes Headed to All-Star Game July 23rd - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- 'Dogs Send Division-High Five Players to 2019 All-Star Game - Lincoln Saltdogs
- Four Railroaders Named to All-Star Team - Cleburne Railroaders
- 2019 American Association All-Stars Announced, Saints Lead Way with Seven Players, Including Five Starters - St. Paul Saints
- T-Bones Hold on to Beat Saints - Kansas City Monarchs
- 'Dogs Walk-Off Goldeyes for Series Sweep - Lincoln Saltdogs
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.
