AA Sioux Falls Canaries

Voting Open for Top Designated Hitter

Published on May 26, 2012 under American Association (AA)
Sioux Falls Canaries News Release


SIOUX FALLS - The top pitchers have been chosen, so Sioux Falls Pheasants fans can turn their attention to the lineup.

The Pheasants unveiled three nominees for the top designated hitters in franchise history, the team announced on Friday.

Pheasants fans can visit the team's redesigned website, www.sfpheasants.com, and cast their votes through Wednesday, May 30, for their top choice amongst these candidates:

Kevin Garner (1995, 1998) -- Garner played all but one game of the 1995 season as the designated hitter when he hit .316 with 16 home runs and 64 RBI in a 72-game season, the equivalent of 22 home runs and 89 RBI in the current 100-game format. He was chosen as a postseason all-star. Garner had a slugging percentage of .579 in 1995. In 1998, Garner returned for a brief 13-game stint and collected two more home runs in 13 games.

Will Smith (2007-2008) -- Smith put together two strong seasons with Canaries. His .367 average in 2007 was tops in the American Association and then a single-season team record. His career average (.351) ranks second all-time.

Beau Torbert (2008-2010) -- The two-time American Association Player of the Year ranks first in career average (.358), second in home runs (55) and second in RBIs (231). In 2010, Torbert posted one of the best offensive outputs in the history of the league. He won the batting title with a .394 batting average, the highest in team history, with 24 home runs. His 100 RBI set a new team record. Torbert amassed 155 hits for the season, breaking league and team records. Torbert earned independent baseball's highest prize in 2010, Baseball America's Independent Player of the Year.

The results will be announced on Thursday, May 31, when the Pheasants host the Lincoln Saltdogs.

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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