SAL1 Asheville Tourists

Tourists Rodriguez Named All-Star Game Starting Pitcher; Vasto Also Selected from Tourists Roster

June 9, 2015 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Asheville Tourists News Release


CLEARWATER, FL - Eric Krupa, president of the South Atlantic League, has announced the rosters for the 56th Annual SAL All-Star Game presented by Ingles, scheduled to be played on June 23, 2015, at McCormick Field in Asheville, North Carolina, home of the Asheville Tourists.

Asheville's Helmis Rodriguez has been named the game's starting pitcher for the Southern Division. The Coloncito, Venezuela native carries a 4-3 record with a 3.64 mark through 11 starts this season. The southpaw's highlight performance came on May 10 at Lakewood where Rodriguez worked seven shutout innings allowing only two hits.

Also representing the Asheville Tourists in the 56th Annual SAL All-Star Game presented by Ingles is right-handed reliever Jerry Vasto. The Atlantic Highland, New Jersey native has been a workhorse out of Asheville's bullpen all season. His 22 appearances ranks second most among all South Atlantic League relievers. Vasto owns a sparkling 2.05 ERA and is limiting opponents to a .160 batting average which ranks fifth best in the league.

Asheville skipper Warren Schaeffer will manage the Southern Division squad. Schaeffer is in his first season as a manager, and his third overall as a member of the Colorado Rockies organization. Schaeffer will be joined on the Southern Division coaching staff by Asheville's pitching coach Mark Brewer and former Atlanta Braves and Colorado Rockies two time All-Star third baseman Vinny Castilla. Asheville's Casey Papas will serve as the team's athletic trainer.

Both all-star teams will be represented by 26 players, selected by the votes of the team's managers and coaching staffs, local media and front office executives. McCormick Field will be hosting its third SAL All-Star Game.

"Once again, we look forward to enjoying a game showcasing the incredible talent in this league," said Krupa. "Asheville Tourists President Brian DeWine, General Manager Larry Hawkins and the entire staff in Asheville have been working for more than a year to live up to the tradition and host one of the most anticipated events on our baseball calendar."

A variety of events have been scheduled in Asheville along with the SAL All-Star Game presented by Ingles. On Tuesday, June 23rd, there will be an All-Star Luncheon at The Double-Tree Biltmore at 12:00 noon. Hall of Fame sportswriter Hal McCoy is the keynote speaker. Gates open at 3:00pm at McCormick Field, where fans will have the opportunity to get autographs from and pictures with the SAL All-Stars. A Home Run Derby will begin at 5:35 pm and the first pitch of the 2015 All-Star Game is scheduled at 7:35 pm. Tickets are available by calling (828)258-0428.

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