Online Fan Voting Open for Top Sioux Falls Shortstop
July 6, 2012 - American Association (AA)
Sioux Falls Canaries News Release
SIOUX FALLS - It's one of most important positions on the field, requiring the best defensive skills, quickness and an accurate arm. The shortstop must know everything about positioning against opposing hitters. And at the plate, he's relied upon to be a contact hitter with speed while providing occasional power.
Several men have captained the Sioux Falls Pheasants/Canaries infield, but only one will be selected by fans to the 20th-Anniversary Team.
Four have been identified as nominees for the Sioux Falls 20th-Anniversary Team, and fans will vote to determine the winner. Fans can vote once a day until July 12 on the Pheasants website, www.sfpheasants.com.
Fans can select their top choice from these candidates:
Matthew Davis (1994-1996) -- Davis had three straight productive seasons at the plate as a switch-hitter. The Northern League tabbed Davis a postseason all-star in 1996, his best season, when he hit .328 and collected 104 hits in 82 games. He also belted seven home runs and drove in 64 runners. His career average is .312 with 278 hits. Davis is fifth in career runs scored with 178. In the field, Davis boasts the best fielding percentage (.967) of any shortstop.
Tim Hutting (2008-2010) -- Hutting captained the Sioux Falls infield for three consecutive seasons with remarkable durability; he missed just three games. He ranks fifth all-time in games played, and all but one were at shortstop. Offensively, Hutting bounced back from a low output in 2008 to post to two straight seasons with a .300 average or better and 110-plus hits. He is the career leader in nearly every defensive category for shortstops. In 2010, Hutting set league and team single-season records for assists (357) and double plays (89). Hutting was part of both the 2008 championship team and the runner-up 2010 squad.
Marc Mirizzi (2003-2004) -- Mirizzi was the lone all-star on the 2003 Canaries team. He began the season with a 16-game hitting streak. His play caught the eyes of the Texas Rangers, who signed him to minor league contract in August. He set a single-season team record for shortstop fielding percentage (.988), committing just four errors. Mirizzi returned for 2004, when he put up even stronger numbers. He was traded to the St. Paul Saints late in the season. In 136 career games, Mirizzi hit .298 with 19 home runs and 86 RBI.
Edgar Tovar (1998-1999) -- In 150 games, Tovar hit with 16 home runs and 76 RBI. Although he played the most games at shortstop, the Venezuelan native served plenty at second base and third base. He had a .965 fielding percentage combined and a .969 fielding percentage at shortstop.
The results will be announced on Thursday, July 12. Nominees were determined by a select group of organization members and Sioux Falls media personnel who have long observed the club.
The 20th-Anniversary Team will consist of two starting pitchers, two relief pitchers, one catcher, a representative from each infield position, three outfielders and a designated hitter. In addition, fans can vote for a manager.
More nominees and voting will occur throughout the season.
The Sioux Falls Pheasants are in their 20th season of independent professional baseball. Information about season tickets and group outings is available by calling (605) 336-6060 or visiting www.sfpheasants.com.
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