PL Ogden Raptors

League-Best Six Raptors Named to All-Star Team

Published on July 31, 2019 under Pioneer League (PL)
Ogden Raptors News Release


GRAND JUNCTION, CO - Six members of the Ogden Raptors were selected to represent the Pioneer League All-Star team, the league office announced Wednesday. Two will start in the fifth-annual game against the Northwest League's All-Stars to be played Tuesday, August 6, 2019, in Boise, Idaho.

Kevin Malisheski was named the PBL starting pitcher for the game, and Andy Pages will start in the outfield. In addition, relief pitcher Corey Merrill, infielders Sam McWilliams and Brandon Lewis and outfielder Jon Littell will don Pioneer League jerseys.

The Raptors, who tied a Pioneer League mark for best record in a single half by going 31-7 in the first half of 2019, paced the circuit in number of players selected. Missoula was second with five, Grand Junction had four, Great Falls, Idaho Falls and Billings each saw three picked to the team and Orem and Rocky Mountain had two apiece.

Ogden manager Austin Chubb spoke about all six Raptors players selected to the game:

Malisheski: "Kevin's been consistent the entire season. His ability to prepare and then execute a game plan has been impressive. He's earned it."

Merrill: "Corey has been fearless out of the bullpen. He hasn't given up a run yet, so he's very deserving. He's been able to use his cutter effectively, and he doesn't shy away from anybody that he's facing."

McWilliams: "Sam has had an unbelievable half - 11 home runs from the second base spot is something you don't see too often. His ability to put in work with hitting coach Seth Conner has been really fun to watch."

Lewis: "Really excited for Brandon to get the chance to play in this game. He's done a nice job bouncing around, DH, first base, third base. He's been a pleasant surprise defensively, and he can swing the bat. A lot of people don't know he's only 20 years old. Really excited for his future, and he's very deserving of making the all-star team."

Pages: "Andy has had a tremendous half. It's been impressive to watch the way he's been able to change as teams have changed in the way they've attacked him. They've been throwing him inside and a lot of soft stuff, but I think he's done a good job, as an 18-year-old kid, being able to deal with that."

Littell: "Really, really happy for Jon. He's a guy who's a little bit older, but he's able to execute a game plan and get off his best swing all the time."

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