SAL1 Augusta GreenJackets

Sanford, Duvall Recieve League Honors

Published on August 30, 2011 under South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Augusta GreenJackets News Release


Augusta, GA - One day after falling three outs shy of throwing the first nine-inning perfect game in South Atlantic League history, and two days after his 23rd birthday, Shawn Sanford continues with what has to be his best week ever. Sanford was named the South Atlantic League's Most Outstanding Pitcher for the 2011 season and was one of two GreenJackets named to the league's postseason All-Star Team in an announcement made Tuesday by SAL President Eric Krupa.

Sanford and teammate Adam Duvall were named to the All-Star Team as the league's best right-handed pitcher and third baseman respectively. In being named the league's Most Outstanding Pitcher, Sanford becomes the first GreenJacket since Madison Bumgarner in 2008 to earn such honors. For Sanford, the honor and the near-perfecto cap a 2011 season that has been tumultuous at times after Sanford suffered the loss of his father Jimmy this spring after a long battle with cancer.

"With everything that happened to me in Spring Training regarding the loss of my Dad, I was facing more adversity than at any other point in my career." Sanford said. "There's no question he's been with me every single pitch of the year - that's why I write 'D-A-D' in the dirt behind the rubber before every inning - and I dedicate the honor to his memory. This would be a great honor in any season, but it's extremely special for me personally to win it this year."

Sanford also credits GreenJackets pitching coach Steve Kline for being a solid role model in both the physical and mental aspects of being a pitcher this season and GreenJackets catcher Jeff Arnold, of whom Sanford says that getting to throw to him "has had a huge impact on the results and success I've had this season."

For Duvall, the league honor comes in a year where the slugger has set team records and garnered attention throughout a prospect-laden South Atlantic League. Duvall comes into play on Tuesday with 22 home runs - tied with Derrick Lankford's total in 1998 - for the most in franchise history. He hit a home run and drove in three runs in the South Atlantic League's All-Star Game on the way to game MVP honors. Above all else, Duvall is most proud of his consistency throughout the course of the 140-game season.

"Just to be picked for the All-Star Game at the end of the first half was a dig deal, but to be able to play well in both halves and to extend that success over a whole season means a lot." Duvall said. "This honor shows me that the work I put in during the offseason paid off and that I went into Spring Training on the right foot. It also shows that I've got to put in that effort every year and that maybe if I can work even harder this offseason, I can do even bigger things."

Entering play on Tuesday, Duvall's 22 home runs and 85 RBI's lead the team and are among the league's top-five in every category. Sanford hasn't allowed an earned run in each of his last three starts and boasts the league's best ERA at 2.47 after his 8.1 scoreless innings during Tuesday night's perfect game bid. Duvall has few, if any, regrets in his 2011 season.

"Overall it's been a great season. I would like to have been healthier, but otherwise it's been great." Duvall said, referencing hamstring and back injuries that have plagued the last quarter of his season.

Sanford also knows that a solid 2011 has opened some eyes in both the Giants organization and throughout Minor League Baseball.

"Coming into the season, it was my goal to be the best pitcher in the league, to make a name for myself in the league, to open eyes throughout Minor League Baseball and to be considered a true prospect." Sanford said. "It's my goal to pitch in the major leagues someday and this is a big step."

The GreenJackets play their final road game of the 2011 regular season tonight against the Greenville Drive. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m. with radio coverage beginning at 6:50 p.m. on WRDW-AM 1630 and online at www.greenjacketsbaseball.com . The GreenJackets open their final homestand on Thursday with the first of five games against the Rome Braves. First pitch on Thursday is 7:05 p.m. and gates open at 6 on the season's final Thirsty Thursday. Single-game tickets for any home game can currently be obtained by calling 706-922-WINS or online at www.greenjacketsbaseball.com .

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South Atlantic League Stories from August 30, 2011


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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