CarL1 Lynchburg Hillcats

Hillcats Send Five to All-Star Game

Published on June 11, 2012 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Lynchburg Hillcats News Release


Lynchburg, VA- The Carolina League released the roster for the 2012 Mid-Season All-Star Team Monday afternoon. Five Hillcats will be making the trip to Winston-Salem to represent Lynchburg and the Carolina League for this year's California/Carolina League All-Star Game.

The Hillcats are lead by four position players and one pitcher. Tommy La Stella is the sole position player to start on the all-star squad. La Stella, the 28th-best prospect in the Braves organization, will get the nod at second base for the Carolina League. A 2011 MiLB.com Organization All-Star, La Stella has had a productive season in the three hole for the 'Cats. La Stella leads the team in RBI with 36 and his 14.06 TPA/SO ratio is tops in the League.

Braeden Schlehuber was chosen to be one of two backstops representing the league. He was selected in the fourth round in 2008 and will be making his first career all-star appearance. The Hillcats' catcher has been solid all season, racking up a career-high six homers and a .305 average so far this season.

Nick Ahmed, the 15th rated prospect for the Braves, will be making his first all-star team as a professional as well. The wiry shortstop leads the Carolina League in stolen bases with 20. Ahmed has also been among the league leaders in both walks and runs scored throughout the season. Defensively, Ahmed has been a wunderkind, leading all middle infielders in chances, putouts, assists and double plays.

The former Independent League All-Star, Chris Garcia, will be honored with his first affiliated all-star selection. Garcia has been among the league leaders in a host of offensive categories since game one of the season. His .320 average is is sixth-best in the league, Garcia is second in on base percentage at .465 and second in walks with 40. Garcia has also slugged five bombs this season and second on the team with 32 RBI.

Lynchburg's staff will be represented by J.R. Graham, the 13th-best prospect in the organization. Graham is having a superb season, his seven wins is tied with teammate Gus Schlosser for most in the Carolina League. He ranks third in both ERA (2.58) and WHIP (1.02) among qualifying pitchers.

The annual game between the Carolina League and California League All-Stars will take place June 19th at BB&T Ballpark in Winston-Salem, NC, home of the Winston-Salem Dash. The California League has won each of the last three Mid-Summer Classics, including last year's 6-1 in Modesto, CA.

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Carolina League Stories from June 11, 2012


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