AA St. Paul Saints

NL Playoff Hero Callahan Signs with Saints

Published on May 1, 2003 under American Association (AA)
St. Paul Saints News Release


ST. PAUL, Minn. – There is nothing like an old hand on your side. Saints' manager George Tsamis announced today that 1B Dave Callahan, who played a crucial role last year in New Jersey's push to the Northern League post-season title, has signed to play for the St. Paul Saints this summer.

The 23-year old Callahan had the best year of his pro career in 2002 while playing for Tsamis, who skippered the Jackals to their second straight NL title. "Dave is a great addition to our roster," Tsamis said. "He proved last year he can come up with the big hit when the game is on the line."

Callahan was named the MVP of the Championship series. He hit .310 in the playoffs (17-for-55) with three home runs and 10 RBIs. He drilled a three-RBI double in the top of the ninth inning to rally the Jackals to a 4-2 win at Adirondack. Then, in the title series, he ended Game 3 against Winnipeg with a dramatic, three-run homer in the bottom of the 11th inning to produce a 6-3 win.

Selected out of high school in the third round of the 1998 draft by the Florida Marlins, Callahan spent four seasons in that system before signing with the Jackals. He hit .265 in New Jersey during the regular season, finishing second in the league in walk with 60 and fourth in on-base percentage with a .404 mark.

He also joined current teammates Jake Whitney, Ryan Kane and Chris Chavez on team USA in the World Championships in Monterrey, Mexico. A first baseman by trade, he can also play the outfield. The Red Sox signed him in January and he spent 20 games at Sarasota (Florida State League) before signing with the Saints.

Callahan will report to St. Paul when spring training opens May 9.

The Saints also announced that the 2003 Mascot has been named "The Notorious P.I.G. aka Piggy Smalls." The team held a contest among 11 grade schools that produced over 200 entries. Jason Johnson, a third grader at Hancock-Hamline Elementary School in St. Paul, submitted the winning name.

The new mascot will be introduced at the team's first preseason game May 16 against Fargo-Moorhead. The team will open its 11th season in the Northern League against Kansas City on May 23.

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