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CalL1 Stockton Ports

Ports announce 2009 award winners

September 7, 2009 - California League (CalL1)
Stockton Ports News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. -The Stockton Ports are proud to announce the winners of the 2009 annual Ports awards. Each recipient was recognized in an on-field ceremony prior to the 6:05 p.m. game against Visalia on Monday, September 7.

Season ticket holders Rex and Mary Young were selected for the 2009 Fans of the Year. The Ports honored Lorraine Aguilar as the 2009 Employee of the Year. The Ports announced that the 2009 Player of the Year was outfielder Grant Desme. The Ports also recognized Steve Kleen as the first recipient of the newly created Dallas Braden Community Award.

The Youngs have been Ports fans since Billy Hebert Field was the home of the team. The Youngs, who are Lodi, Calif. residents, have been Ports season ticket holders for three years. With their season ticket plans, the Youngs said they have been able to enjoy the ballpark, the fun family environment and the other friendly fans who attend games.

"Rex and Mary Young have been steadfast supporters of the Ports for several seasons, and the Ports are truly grateful for their dedication and commitment to cheering on these young athletes. The Youngs have also always been a part of other Ports events, including the Hot Stove Banquet, the Manager's Luncheon and much more," said Ports President and General Manager Pat Filippone. "It's our great pleasure to honor the Youngs with this award this evening, in appreciation of their continuing support of the Stockton Ports."

Lorraine Aguilar, also known to Ports fans and staff as "Aggie," has been working with the Ports as one of the Bank of Stockton Kids Zone staffers. The 2009 season was her fifth working with the Ports.

"Lorraine has been exceptional with her responsibilities of maintaining an exciting and efficient Kids Zone," said Filippone. "She has been reliable, friendly and a model Ports game day representative at all Ports games. Her hard work and cheerful attitude exemplifies the excellent guest services the Ports provide."

Grant Desme joined the team following the All-Star Break from Single-A Kane County, and his outstanding performance has earned him 2009 Player of the Year honors. In 62 games with the Ports, Desme has posted a .304 batting average, with 12 doubles, four triples, 20 home runs and 51 RBI. Desme leads the team in home runs and is third on the team in RBI. Desme, in fact, leads the A's farm system with 31 total home runs, and ranks among Oakland organization leaders with 89 total RBI and 40 stolen bases this season. This is the second year in a row in which the farm system home run king has been a member of the Ports.

"Desme's offensive heroics have helped lift the team in the second half, keeping them in the chase for a playoff spot for most of the second half," Filippone said. "Not only has he been outstanding at the plate this season, Desme leads the outfielders with a .972 fielding percentage. The numbers he has posted this season reflect upon his hard work and dedication this summer. It's our pleasure to reward his success with the 2009 Player of the Year honors."

Steve Kleen was recognized for his extensive community service as the first winner of the Dallas Braden Community Award. Kleen worked as an instructor in the Ports Youth Baseball Camp in June, was one of two players to speak at the Manager's Luncheon in July, donated autographed memorabilia for the Ports Community Fund Weekend in August, and gave a testimonial to fans prior to the game on Faith Night on August 8. He has also made several other community appearances over the course of the season.

"Steve Kleen was a great player with the Ports in 2007, and since his return to the team in 2009, he has been a tremendous leader off the field as well as on," Filippone said. "We are very proud to honor him as our Dallas Braden Community Award winner this season.

"Braden has never forgotten his roots, and has always been ready to lend a hand here in Stockton, for the community and the Ports," Filippone added. "He has been a hero in the Stockton community for years, and we want to show our gratitude for his endless support through this award. Steve Kleen has definitely embodied the spirit of Braden's community commitment this season."

In a statement he sent the Ports, Dallas Braden said, "I sincerely appreciate Steve Kleen for coming into Stockton and giving so much of his time and effort to our town. I appreciate that he worked with the Stockton Ports in being involved with our community while he has been working on his baseball career. To think of other people is awesome and I want to thank Steve for doing so. Having the Stockton Ports name this award for me is the biggest honor bestowed on me in my career so far."

The Ports are proud to recognize and salute all five of these individuals for their contributions to an exciting and successful 2009 season.

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