Jackets Villalona Going to MLB Futures Game
June 26, 2008 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Augusta GreenJackets News Release
Augusta, GA - Major League Baseball Announced its rosters for the 10th Annual All-Star Futures Game and the GreenJackets Angel Villalona was named to the World squad. The Futures Game is schedule to be played at Yankee Stadium over the MLB All-Star break.
"I feel real proud to know that I was selected to participate in the game and play in New York," Villalona said. "My friends that played in the game last year told me about the experience and how much fun it is and I can't wait."
Villalona entered the 2008 season ranked as the top prospect in the San Francisco Giants organization. The 17-year-old is in his first full season of professional baseball and leads the team in home runs with nine over his 65 games played.
The GreenJackets first baseman is batting .237 this season with 32 RBIs, 15 doubles and 29 runs scored.
"I never really set goals going into the season and say I want to do this or that," Villalona said. "I really just try to work hard, stay focus and let things fall into place."
Villalona was named the South Atlantic League Offensive player of the week for May 12-18. Villalona batted .385 (10-26) during the week and clubbed three home runs while driving in eight runs. Villalona also had three doubles and three runs scored while riding a four game hit streak.
Signed as non-drafted free agent by the Giants in Augusta of 2006, the Dominican Republic native batted .278 with five home runs and 38 RBIs over 57 games in 2007 during his first professional season.
Now half way through his first full season of baseball, Villalona is trying to stay focus.
"I don't try to think how long the season is, or how hard or easy it is," Villalona said. "I just come prepared every day to work hard and make the necessary adjustments needed to make myself better."
The 2008 All-Star Futures game will be held on Sunday, July 13 in New York at Yankee Stadium. Also named to the 2008 Futures Game is former Augusta GreenJackets pitcher Kevin Pucetas, now pitching with the San Jose Giants in the California League.
Augusta is currently 46-30 this season and one game out of first place in the South Atlantic League Southern Division. The GreenJackets finish up their eight game home stand tonight against Greenville then begin a five game road trip Friday night in Hickory.
The GreenJackets are celebrating their 20th Anniversary this season of baseball returning to Augusta. For information on tickets and all the promotions scheduled for this season call the GreenJackets at 706-922-WINS or visit www.greenjacketsbaseball.com.
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