Voting Now Open for Top Sioux Falls First Baseman
Published on June 15, 2012 under American Association (AA)
Sioux Falls Canaries News Release
SIOUX FALLS - First basemen. They provide power in the lineup, often hitting fourth or fifth. Plus, they need a sure glove to dig out low throws and stop any hot smashes.
The Sioux Falls Canaries/Pheasants have had several strong first basemen. Each of these nominees for the Sioux Falls 20th-Anniversary Team is no exception.
It's up to fans to decide who makes the team. Fans can vote once a day through June 20 on the Pheasants website, www.sfpheasants.com.
Fans can select their top choice from these candidates:
Abner Arroyo (2005 - 2007) -- Arroyo posted three consecutive strong seasons, never hitting below .314 and often flashing leather in the infield. He has a career .322 average and he ranks fifth in career RBI (168). As a line-drive, left-handed gap hitter, Arroyo collected 71 doubles, third most in team history. He also hit 30 home runs and notched 168 RBI, fifth most all-time.
Michael Burton (1993 - 1995) -- No one in franchise history has played more games at first base than Burton, the team's inaugural first baseman. He holds career records for fielding percentage (.992), games at first base (219), putouts (1,999), assists (164), total chances (2,180) and double plays (213). At the plate Burton hit. 298 across three seasons with 22 home runs and 134 RBI.
Brandon Sing (2010-2011) -- Sing is perhaps the most prolific pure power hitter in franchise history. The former Cubs prospect had a monster all-star season in 2010, setting a league record with 27 home runs and tying the team mark set by Jermaine Swinton in 2001. (The previous league record was also his own.) Sing also set a team and league record with an astronomical .702 slugging percentage. He followed up in 2011 with 24 home runs, totaling 55 in two seasons, third most all-time. Sing ranks first all-time in slugging percentage (.646) and fourth in team extra-base hits (113).
The results will be announced on Thursday, June 21. Nominees were determined by a select group of organization members and Sioux Falls media personnel who have long observed the club.
The 20th-Anniversary Team will consist of two starting pitchers, two relief pitchers, one catcher, a representative from each infield position, three outfielders and a designated hitter. In addition, fans can vote for a manager.
More nominees and voting will occur throughout the season.
The Sioux Falls Pheasants are in their 20th season of independent professional baseball. Information about season tickets and group outings is available by calling (605) 336-6060 or visiting www.sfpheasants.com.
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