Hester makes MLB Debut
September 1, 2009 - Pioneer League (PL)
Missoula PaddleHeads News Release
MISSOULA, MT - John Hester's first weekend as a major league baseball player will be hard for him to forget.
Hester hit a pinch-hit homer in his first at-bat on Friday and then played a big role in helping the Arizona Diamondbacks finish off a sweep of the Houston Astros. Hester went 2-for-3 with a double, two runs scored and a RBI in Sunday's win.
Hester, a career .285 hitter in four minor-league seasons, is the second former Osprey who played in the Arizona Fall League in 2008 to make it to the major leagues this season. Teammate Rusty Ryal also played in the AFL, and collected a pinch-hit single in his debut two weeks ago.
The 27th former Missoula Osprey player to make it to the major leagues also has something in common with fellow 2006 teammate Gerardo Parra - both homered in their first at-bat.
While with the Osprey in 2006, Hester hit .271 with six home runs and 41 RBIs. He was part of the team which was the last to win a Pioneer League title, winning the wild card in 2006 before sweeping past Billings and Idaho Falls to claim the crown.
Tickets for any remaining Osprey home game this season can be obtained by calling the Osprey at (406) 543-3300, stopping by the Osprey Team Store at 412 W. Alder, or ordering online at www.missoulaosprey.com.
Pioneer League Stories from September 1, 2009
- Osprey take early lead, hold off Brewers, 7-3 - Missoula PaddleHeads
- Hester makes MLB Debut - Missoula PaddleHeads
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