Luke Carlin, Justin Leone named Beavers Co-Community Players of the Year

Published on September 6, 2006 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Portland Beavers News Release


PORTLAND, Ore. - In recognition of their exemplary efforts in making a difference off the playing field this season, Portland Beavers catcher Luke Carlin and third baseman Justin Leone have been named the Beavers Co-Community Players of the Year for the 2006 season.

Carlin and Leone, both marking their first season with the Beavers in 2006, most exemplified the goals of the Beavers Community Outreach Program by making a positive impact on community values by lending their time and energy to a number of worthwhile causes and philanthropic activities throughout the campaign.

"We take great pride in our community involvement as an organization, and players like Luke Carlin and Justin Leone continue to set the bar high with their unselfish involvement during a very busy season," said John Cunningham, president and general manager of the Beavers.

Despite a 144-game schedule played over the course of 152 days, both players lent considerable time and energy to a number of worthwhile causes during their time in Portland.

Carlin anchored the team's involvement with SMART (Start Making a Reader Today), reading with children at Peninsula Elementary School and at the Multnomah County Library. Carlin spent time with kids participating in a special Challenger League tournament at PGE Park, worked with kids at several area Boys & Girls Clubs, and led visits to Doernbecher Children's Hospital and Legacy Emanuel Hospital among other activities.

Carlin, who resides in Jonesville, N.C., took part in the Beavers' youth baseball camp program as well, stressing the fun of the game while passing along his considerable baseball knowledge to Portland-area kids during the popular program.

After joining the Beavers from Class AA Mobile in early April, Carlin went on to hit .266 with 14 doubles, four home runs and 29 RBIs in 73 games with Portland.

Leone, a native of Las Vegas, led a group of seven players during a visit to the Veteran's Administration Hospital, joined teammate Eric Valent in teaching a second grade class at Image Elementary School in Vancouver, Wash., spent meaningful time with kids at the JWR Boys & Girls Club and Meyer Boys & Girls Club, gave baseball pointers at a Vancouver Parks & Recreation day camp, and helped lead player visits to Doernbecher Children's Hospital and Shriner's Hospital for Children.

Leone, who represented the Beavers at the 2006 Triple-A All-Star Game in July, batted .260 with 20 doubles, 20 home runs, 73 RBIs, 66 runs scored and 61 walks over 124 games this season.

Both Carlin and Leone, who were presented with commemorative paintings produced by local artist Ken Rumbaugh in recognition of their efforts, welcomed hundreds of kids that took part in the Beavers' annual Scout Sleepover at PGE Park and were a staple at player autograph sessions during the year.

Former Beaver Bobby Scales was the recipient of the first-ever Beavers Community Player of the Year award in 2005.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from September 6, 2006


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