CalL1 San Jose Giants

San Jose Giants Named Class a Advanced Team of the Year

Published on November 1, 2011 under California League (CalL1)
San Jose Giants News Release


SAN JOSE, CA - The San Jose Giants were awarded the MiLBY for Class A Advanced Team of the Year today after a spectacular 2011 regular season. San Jose (90-50) was one of only two teams throughout Minor League Baseball to win at least 90 games, in addition to claiming their league-record seventh consecutive first half North Division title. MiLB.com has also named Gary Brown the Best Hitter at the Class A Advanced level.

The Giants posted a remarkable 51-19 first half record to win the division by 13 games. Included in their first half success was a pair of 12-game winning streaks while the 51 victories tied a club record for most wins in a half. On June 7, San Jose became the first team in Minor League Baseball this season to clinch a playoff berth. The Giants also won 11 straight games in July.

San Jose led the California League in ERA (3.70) and shutouts (14) while also ranking third in runs scored (814). The Giants set a team single-season record for doubles (306) while their 139 home runs ranked second-most in team history. San Jose tied the club record for most road wins in a single-season fashioning a 46-24 mark away from Municipal Stadium. Additionally, the Giants shattered the previous team record of eight consecutive road victories with a 16-game winning streak from May 19 through June 12.

Brown garnered the top Class A Advanced individual honor after batting .336 with 14 home runs and 80 RBI's in 131 games with the Giants. The 23-year old outfielder led the Giants in batting average, runs scored (115), hits (188), triples (13), stolen bases (53) and on-base percentage (.407). He was also second on the team in doubles (34), tied for second in home runs and third in RBI's. A consistent performer throughout the entire year, Brown hit .328 with six home runs, 47 RBI's and 32 stolen bases during the first half before batting .346 with eight homers, 33 RBI's and 21 steals in the second half. He followed his outstanding regular season by hitting .375 with seven runs scored and five doubles in four playoff games. Brown led the California League in hits and triples while ranking second in runs scored and stolen bases and third in batting average. A 2010 first round draft pick, Brown also set the San Jose Giants record for hits in a single-season.

Six San Jose players were named to the midseason California League All-Star team, including five pitchers: starters Chris Heston, Kelvin Marte, Craig Westcott and Zack Wheeler along with relief pitcher Heath Hembree. Brown was also selected as the lone Giants position player. Three Giants players and pitching coach Brian Cooper received mention on the postseason California League All-Star team. Brown was named California League Rookie of the Year while Westcott and catcher Tommy Joseph were also included on the team. Cooper earned the California League Coach of the Year honor.

The 11-time California League champion San Jose Giants begin the 2012 season on Thursday, April 5 at Modesto. The home opener at Municipal Stadium is scheduled for Thursday, April 12 against the Bakersfield Blaze. For more information on tickets, please call (408) 297-1435 or visit sjgiants.com.

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California League Stories from November 1, 2011


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