San Diego Surf Dawg Graham Koonce to Milwaukee Brewers
May 30, 2006 - Golden Baseball League (GBL)
San Diego Surf Dawgs News Release
(Pleasanton, CA. May 30, 2006) The Golden Baseball League today announced that San Diego Surf Dawgs first baseman Graham Koonce has had his contract purchased by the Milwaukee Brewers and will report to their Triple-A ballclub in Nashville, Tennessee.
Koonce, 31, signed with the Yankees this spring and was slated for Triple A Columbus. He later requested his release in order to find a team that would offer him a more substantial playing opportunity. He initially signed with San Diego in an effort to be closer to his family, but his strong performance during Spring Training with the Surf Dawgs caught the attention and opportunity of the Brewers Organization.
"It's been a pleasure to have Graham in Spring Training," said Surf Dawgs Manager Terry Kennedy. "With his skills, work ethic, and leadership it was only a matter of time before his contract was acquired. I hope that the Brewers provide him the opportunity he was looking for, and I believe we are going to see him in a major league uniform soon."
Koonce has been one of the most accomplished hitters in the minor leagues for the last five years. He won home run and RBI titles in both the AA Texas League and AAA Pacific Coast League. In 2003 he was voted MVP of the Pacific Coast League and named Minor League Player of the Year.
Originally signed in 1993 by the Detroit Tigers out of UCLA, the 2006 season with the Surf Dawgs was to be his second stint in independent pro baseball as he played two seasons in the old Western League for Tri-City and Chico.
"Graham is the fourth player that we have sold in the last 10 days," said Kevin Outcalt, GBL Commissioner. "The remarkable thing is that three of those have gone straight to Triple A and one to Double A which represents a significant increase in the skill level of our players for this season."
San Diego begins its quest to repeat as Golden Baseball Champions on June 1st against Yuma. Their home opener is on Monday, June 5th versus the Yuma Scorpions. Tickets, merchandise, and sponsor opportunities are all still available at www.sdsurfdawgs.com.
Golden Baseball League Stories from May 30, 2006
- San Diego Surf Dawg Graham Koonce to Milwaukee Brewers - San Diego Surf Dawgs
- Jeff Heaverlo Acquired by Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - Long Beach Armada
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