Trio of Lancaster Jethawks Lauded by the California League

MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com - LANCASTER, CA – A trio of Lancaster JetHawks stars have been named to the Topps’ Class A All-Star Team, adding to the numerous awards bestowed on the team following its record-breaking 2007 campaign.

First baseman Aaron Bates and outfielders Bubba Bell and Zach Daeges have been honored for their outstanding performances during what was an incredible season in Lancaster as the three prospects led a historic offensive output that shattered several longstanding club and league records. Earlier this Fall, the players were also named to the post-season California League All Star team.

Bates’ .465 on-base percentage led all of Class A and his .592 slugging percentage was third best in the classification. The California native became the first player in California League history to record four homeruns in one game when he accomplished the feat on May 19 against the Lake Elsinore Storm.

Bell , who was named California League MVP and Rookie of the Year, in addition to being the MVP of the mid-season All Star Game in Stockton was also named the Topps California League Player of the Year several weeks ago. The Texan adds to his hardware collection with this honor after leading Class A with a .370 average and .665 slugging percentage. The fan favorite led the JetHawks to the first half division title before being called up to AA Portland.

Daeges spent the entire season in Lancaster and paced all of Minor League Baseball in runs scored (124), extra-base hits (81) and doubles (55), the latter also tied a California League record for two-baggers in a season. The Iowa native tied for third in the Minors with 113 RBI and also led the California League in hits with 170. Daeges was also named Offensive Player of the Year for Class A by MiLB.com

These three honors follow the season which saw the club break California League records for home runs (217), RBI (1,008) and Runs Scored (1,081). The team finished the regular season with the best record in the California League and won both halves before being ousted in the Division Finals by the Lake Elsinore Storm.

The three honors garnered the Boston Red Sox the most representatives of any organization on the Topps All Star Team. Colorado and San Francisco placed two each on the 12-man squad.