Two Sidewinders Selected to All-Star Game

Published on July 3, 2008 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Tucson Sidewinders News Release


Tucson, AZ - The Tucson Sidewinders infielders Jamie D'Antona and Emilio Bonifacio have been selected to participate in the 21st Annual Triple-A All-Star Game which will take place July 16th at Louisville Slugger Field in Louisville, KY. Bonifacio will also represent the Diamondbacks organization at the prestigious All-Star Futures game on July 13th at Yankee Stadium in New York City, NY.

D'Antona enters to tonight's game hitting .385, good for second best in the PCL just two points behind the league leader. Jamie also ranks in the top five in the league hits (110), doubles (28) and on-base percentage (.424). D'Antona is in his second full season with the Sidewinders after pacing the team in doubles (48) in 2007, the third highest single season total for a player in franchise history. He will be participating in his fourth career All-Star Game in seven professional seasons.

Bonifacio leads the PCL in hits thus far this season with 111 and paces the Sidewinders in hits, stolen bases (17), games played (85) and at bats (367). Emilio led the Southern League in both hits (157) and steals (41) in 2007, earning a September call-up directly from Double-A. This year's honors will mark his fourth consecutive All-Star Game dating back to 2005. He will be joined at the Futures Game by fellow Diamondbacks farmhand outfielder Gerardo Parra.

Other Sidewinders players selected to the Triple-A All-Star Game in recent history include OF Alex Romero, RHP Chad Harville and C Mark Johnson in 2007, SS Stephen Drew and 2B Alberto Callaspo in 2006, 2B Andy Green, 1B Conor Jackson and RHP Jason Bulger in 2005, C Craig Ansman and 1B Steve Neal in 2004, 3B Chad Tracy, IF Mike Bell, and LHP Chris Capuano in 2003, 1B Lyle Overbay and C Chad Moeller in 2002, and 1B Jack Cust in 2001.

The first Triple-A All-Star Game was held in 1988 when National League affiliated teams competed against American League affiliated teams. That format was followed until 1998 when it was changed to have the PCL All-Stars compete against the IL All-Stars. The PCL and IL are 5-5 against each other including the IL's 7-5 victory last year in Albuquerque, NM.

The 2008 Triple-A All-Star Game will be televised live on ESPN2 and can be heard on the Sidewinders flagship station COOL 1450 AM.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from July 3, 2008


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