Three more Pelicans named All-Stars

Published on July 11, 2009 under American Association (AA)
Pensacola Pelicans News Release


PENSACOLA, FL- The American Association of Independent Professional Baseball announced today that Pelicans Kyle Middleton, Hunter Davis, and Chase Burch have been named 2009 All-Stars. Pitchers Middleton and Davis and infielder/designated hitter Burch will join Antoin Gray in representing the Pensacola Pelicans at the 2009 All-Star Game.

Kyle Middleton's numbers are the best in the league: he has struck out more batters (72) than anyone else in the American Association. His 1.60 ERA in 73 innings pitched ranks first, and he boasts an impressive 4-1 record for Pensacola this year. The 6'5" right-hander was born in Pensacola and joined the Pelicans in 2009 after pitching for the Houston Astros' triple-A affiliate last season.

Hunter Davis has been dominant as the Pelicans' closer. He has stamped out 11 saves while striking out a dazzling 31 batters in 24 innings. The submarine-throwing righty has a 2-1 record with a 1.13 ERA. The 6'1" 175 pound closer attended Florida State in 2004 and finished his collegiate career at Jacksonville University before signing with the Richmond Roosters of the Frontier League for the 2005 season. His first stint with the Pelicans was in 2007, but he was traded to New Jersey after 23 games. The Tampa Bay Rays organization purchased Davis' contract on July 27, 2007, then released him that October. He returned to Pensacola in 2008, but also pitched for New Jersey later that year.

Chase Burch is having a phenomenal first season. After playing for Auburn University at Montgomery in 2008, the slugger sports a .357 batting average that ranks second in the league. His .561 slugging percentage and .465 on-base percentage both put him third on the American Association leader board. He leads the Pelicans with seven homeruns and has driven in 34 RBI, second only to fellow Pelican All-Star Antoin Gray's 47. The 2008 Senator batted .407 last year with 16 homeruns. He was named Southern States Athletic Conference tournament MVP after hitting four round trippers and bringing in 16 runs.

The 2009 All-Star Game is July 21 at QuikTrip Park in Grand Prairie, TX. The Pelicans are currently hosting the El Paso Diablos in Pensacola. Tonight's 6:05 game will be televised on Cox Sports Television, channel 319 in Pensacola.

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