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SAL1 Hagerstown Suns

Suns place two on All-Star roster

June 6, 2006 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Hagerstown Suns News Release


The South Atlantic League announced the rosters today for the league's annual All-Star Game. The 2006 classic will take place in Lake County, Ohio, on Tuesday, June 20th. Joining the North Division squad will be Suns players Jonathan Niese and Fernando Martinez.

Niese, who was the first and only high school player named the Gatorade Prep Player of the Year in the state of Ohio in back-to-back seasons, is off to a remarkable start to the 2006 season. As of June 6, Niese was tied for the lead in wins in the South Atlantic League with seven. Only 19 years old, he has proved to be a valuable part of the Suns squad. A 7th round draft choice of the Mets in 2005, Niese is averaging over a strikeout per inning pitched while posting a respectful 4.08 ERA through his first 12 starts. In 57.1 innings, the highly regarded southpaw prospect has recorded 69 strikeouts.

Martinez, a gifted centerfielder from the Dominican Republic, made a big splash when he signed on with the New York Mets for a $1.3 million dollar signing bonus in the summer of 2005 as a 16-year old. The left-handed slick power hitter, who possesses all five tools necessary to be considered a budding star in the Major Leagues, has shined in every capacity imaginable. Martinez, now 17 years old, is batting .322 with 2 HR, 10 doubles, 2 triples and 4 stolen bases through his first 28 professional games. He has been on the injured list since mid-May with a wrist injury, but is expected to return to the team prior to the All-Star break. Martinez is believed to be the Suns youngest player ever to receive All-Star honors as well as the youngest player ever to have been named an All-Star in the South Atlantic League.

The Suns return to Municipal Stadium for a short two-game series versus the West Virginia Power beginning tomorrow night. Wednesday's game begins at 7:05pm and features Boonsboro High School Coach Scott bobbles for the first 1,000 fans. Thursday night features a doubleheader beginning at 6:05pm. The first game will be the conclusion of an earlier suspended game with the Suns and Power tied at 2 at the bottom of the 4th inning. That game will be followed by a 7 inning game. Thursday is another popular "Thirsty Thursday" and also the celebration of the hot dog's 100th birthday. Both 12 oz. domestic draft beers and hot dogs will only cost $1 all night long.

The Suns are the single-A affiliate of the New York Mets and are owned by Los Angeles based Mandalay Baseball Properties. For more information, contact the Suns at 301.791.6266 or at info@hagerstownsuns.com.

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