Three Travs named league post season all stars
August 25, 2005 - Texas League (TL1)
Arkansas Travelers News Release
Ray Winder Field, Little Rock, AR - Three Arkansas Travelers have been named to the 2005 Texas League Post Season All Star Team. Mike Napoli was named top catcher, while 2B Alberto Callaspo and SS Erick Aybar form the Texas League's top double play combination. The post season squad is voted on by league managers, radio broadcasters and beat writers. Anyone who played in a Texas League game is eligible.
Napoli, 23, currently leads the Texas League with 26 home runs and 83 walks while ranking second with 90 RBI. While catching 102 games to lead all league catchers, Napoli has thrown out 47 % of attempted base stealers, the third highest percentage. Napoli's hard nosed style of play has earned him the respect of opponents and team mates alike.
Aybar, 21, was voted the league's most exciting player by managers in Baseball America's Best Tools survey. His .304 batting average ranks ninth in the league while his 149 base hits are third. Aybar owns 42 stolen bases (2nd in league) and 9 triples (3rd in league). Over the season, Aybar has amazed everyone with his quickness, range and aggressiveness. In the field his 628 total chances are tops among shortstops, while Aybar's 100 double plays are the most of any non-first baseman.
Callaspo, 22, hit .297-10-49 in 89 games with the Travs before earning a promotion to Class AAA Salt Lake. Twice Callaspo hit a home run from each side of the plate, while leading all second baseman with a .983 fielding percentage. Travs Manager Tom Gamboa said that no player he has managed in the minors is Callaspo's equal at making the pivot on a double play.
The Travs and Springfield Cardinals are the only teams to have three players represented on the All Star Team. Listed below is the 2005 Texas League Post Season All Star Squad.
Catcher - Mike Napoli, Arkansas
First Base - Justin Huber, Wichita
Second Base - Alberto Callaspo, Arkansas
Third Base - Travis Hanson, Springfield
Shortstop - Erick Aybar, Arkansas
Outfield - T.J. Bohn, San Antonio
Outfield - Andre Ethier, Midland
Outfield - Tyler Minges, Springfield
DH - Jason Perry, Midland
Utility - Mike Aviles, Wichita
Pitcher - Jon Asahina, Tulsa
Pitcher - Jason Hirsh, Corpus Christi
Pitcher - Randy Leek, Springfield
Pitcher - Bobby Livingston, San Antonio
Pitcher - Fernando Nieve, Corpus Christi
Pitcher - Sandy Nin, Tulsa
Player of the Year - Andre Ethier, Midland
Pitcher of the Year - Jason Hirsh, Corpus Christi
Manager of the Year - Von Hayes, Midland
Texas League Stories from August 25, 2005
- Drillers dealt loss by Cards - Tulsa Drillers
- Pitching staff excellent in 3-1 win - Springfield Cardinals
- Bagwell to play for Hooks - Corpus Christi Hooks
- San Antonio Missions game notes - San Antonio Missions
- Falu Ambles off to Texas League - Wichita Wranglers
- Three Travs named league post season all stars - Arkansas Travelers
- Travs 24 Hit Parade Leads To 15-7 Win - Arkansas Travelers
- Hooks rally for nightcap win - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Hirsh is TL Pitcher of the Year - Corpus Christi Hooks
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