Joseph Named to U.S. Squad for Futures Game
June 21, 2012 - Eastern League (EL1)
Richmond Flying Squirrels News Release
RICHMOND, VA - The Richmond Flying Squirrels are pleased to announce that C Tommy Joseph has been named to the U.S. Team for the 2012 MLB Futures Game, an annual showcase event featuring some of baseball's top prospects. The Futures Game, which features a game between a U. S. Team and a World squad, will take place during Major League Baseball's All-Star Sunday festivities at Kansas City's Kauffman Stadium. Joseph is the first player in the three-year history of the Flying Squirrels to earn a spot in the Futures Game.
Joseph is currently batting .248 with three home runs and 15 RBIs. He also has 11 doubles, which is tied for the team-lead with three other players. Additionally, he is one of two Squirrels batters to hit two or more home runs in one game. Defensively, the 20-year-old catcher has thrown out nearly 46 percent of would-be base stealers (11-for-24).
The resident of Phoenix, AZ, has been a middle-of-the-order presence for Richmond this season, batting in the third or fourth spot in the lineup in 49 of his 51 starts.
Currently in his third professional season, Joseph was selected by the Giants in the second round of the 2009 June draft out of Horizon (AZ) High School. He batted .270 with a career-high 22 home runs and a career-best 98 RBIs with Advanced-A San Jose in 2011. He was named California League Batter of the Week August 8th - 15th during the 2011 season and was also selected as a California League Postseason All-Star. Additionally, Joseph threw out 37 percent of potential base stealers, which led the California League and he was named San Jose's Defensive Player of the Year following the season
In 2010, Joseph batted .236 with 16 home runs and 68 RBIs with Low-A Augusta and he was named a South Atlantic League Mid-Season All-Star.
The Squirrels return home to open a four-game series with the New Britain Rock Cats (Minnesota Twins) at The Diamond on Friday night at 6:35 PM. Richmond RHP Justin Fitzgerald (3-5, 4.32) will oppose New Britain RHP B. J. Hermsen (4-3, 2.92) in the series opener. Pregame coverage will begin with the Flying Squirrels Pre-Game Warm-Up presented by your local Ford dealers at 6:05 PM on Sports Radio 910 and SportsRadio910.com. Tickets are available and can be purchased at SquirrelsBaseball.com.
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