Two Napa Silverados Baseball Club Players garner Post Season Honors
December 3, 2018 - Pacific Association (PA)
Napa Silverados News Release
The Napa Silverados Baseball Club is pleased to announce that two of its 2018 Inaugural Season players have received Gilded Glove awards. The Gilded Glove is given annually by the Pacific Association of Professional Baseball Clubs to the top defensive players at each position as voted on by league owners, executives, managers and a limited number of players on each team. First baseman Josh Montelongo and pitcher Billy Felo were both recognized for their efforts throughout the season.
In addition to his defensive prowess, Montelongo, 22 during the season and a native of Sanger, CA, batted .269 with 13 Homeruns and 67 RBIs during the season. Silverados Owner and GM Bruce Johnston commented: "I am very pleased to see Josh win the Gilded Glove Award, especially given this was his rookie year in Professional Baseball. It is recognition of all of the hard work he put in at the ballpark every day. First Base is a tough position because the First Baseman is involved in virtually every play during the game. Josh clearly excelled, and played the position at a very high level, as evidenced by the fact he was selected over players with significantly more pro experience."
Montelongo attended Reedley College in the Central Valley before attending and graduating from Sonoma State in May 2018. He said: "After graduation, I was on my way to pursue a career with the CA Highway Patrol when I got a call inviting me to Spring Training with the Silverados. I'm forever grateful for everyone involved in giving each of us an opportunity to pursue a professional baseball career in Napa." He continued "I am especially grateful to my coach at Reedley College, Steve Pearse who went out of his way to help me get to Sonoma State." He also thanked "my coaches at Sonoma State who took a chance on a kid from Sanger to play First base for the Seawolves." Montelongo is currently contemplating a return in 2019.
Billy Felo, 28 and a native of Harrisburg, PA, graduated from Kutztown University in Kutztown PA in 2013. This was his first season in the Pacific Association. The 5'10 right handed pitcher began the season in relief, but quickly moved into a starting role with the Silverados. He played in 24 games, starting 14 with 8 wins. His most impressive start was his Complete Game Shutout at home on August 10th. Regarding Felo's selection as a Gilded Glove winner, Johnston commented "Billy was always one of the first people at the ballpark whether he was scheduled to start or not. His work ethic showed on the field and I am pleased the voters selected him for this honor. In addition to being a great mentor to the younger pitchers, he is a true competitor, and earned this award."
Felo said "I am extremely grateful and blessed to receive this award. This could not have been accomplished without the help of everyone in the Silverados organization, especially my teammates who offered unwavering support all season". Felo is also contemplating a return to the Silverados in 2019.
Johnston added "I know that the goal for both of these players is to move into affiliated ball, and that is my goal for them as well. Nothing would make me happier, and time will tell. However if that does not pan out prior to the start of our season on May 31st,, 2019, I would love to have both Josh and Billy back. In addition to being very talented ballplayers they are both not only great teammates, but terrific people who embody 'the Silverados Spirit' of hard work and preparation which showed in their successes on the field".
The Pacific Association is an Independent Baseball League with teams in Martinez, Pittsburg, San Rafael, Sonoma and Vallejo. The Silverados play their home games at Napa Valley College. The 2019 Season schedule will be finalized in early 2019.
For more information on the team, or sponsorship and host family opportunities, contact Owner and GM Bruce Johnston at (707) 254-8377 or bruce@silveradosbaseball.com
• Discuss this story on the Pacific Association message board...
Pacific Association Stories from December 3, 2018
- Two Napa Silverados Baseball Club Players garner Post Season Honors - Napa Silverados
- Pacific Association Honors Top Defenders with 2018 Gilded Gloves - PA
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.
