Riversharks Recognized for Atlantic League Honors
Published on October 16, 2013 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Camden Riversharks News Release
CAMDEN, NJ -Two members of the 2013 Camden Riversharks have been selected as members of the end of the year Atlantic League All-Star teams, which were announced by the league yesterday afternoon. Shortstop Wilson Valdez was named to the First Team All-Stars, while pitcher Jon Velasquez was selected as a member of the Second Team All-Star squad.
Valdez, a mid-season acquisition of the Riversharks, played in 90 games for the club and finished with a team leading .310 batting average, which was also the second highest average in the league amongst qualifying players. Valdez also attained a team-high 37 stolen bases, a total that placed him second throughout the entire league.
"Wilson was a terrific addition to our team during the season," stated General Manager Adam Lorber. "He provided great speed atop our lineup and was a true team player in the field, as well as in the clubhouse."
Prior to joining the Riversharks, Valdez, 35, played as a member of seven major league organizations, including the Chicago White Sox, Seattle Mariners, San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and most recently the Cincinnati Reds. Perhaps most notably, Valdez became the first player since Babe Ruth in 1921 to start a game as a position player and finish the game as the winning pitcher. Wilson accomplished this feat in 2011 as a member of the Phillies when he pitched a scoreless 19th inning against the Reds.
Velasquez was named to the Second Team All-Star squad after posting a 6-2 record in 73.2 innings pitched. Velasquez's 82 strikeouts were the highest total on the team as well as in the league for strictly relief pitchers. Overall, Velasquez led the Riversharks in wins and most games pitched as the anchor of a solid bullpen.
Before playing for the Riversharks, the 28-year old New York native was a member of the Philadelphia Phillies organization.
To view the complete list of the Atlantic League's postseason awards, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.
Atlantic League Stories from October 16, 2013
- Somerset Patriots Jake Fox and Josh Lowey Named to Baseball America's Independent Leagues All-Star T - Somerset Patriots
- Riversharks Recognized for Atlantic League Honors - Camden Riversharks
- Ducks Receive Atlantic League Honors - Long Island Ducks
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