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“Home Run For Life” Honoree Jack Chappell Received Heart Transplant at INTEGRIS Health

April 28, 2022

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers and INTEGRIS Health continue the “Home Run For Life” series for an 11th season and recognize their first honoree of 2022, Jack Chappell of Edmond, during the Dodgers’ 7:05 p.m. game Saturday against the Sugar Land Space Cowboys at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

Chappell was diagnosed with heart failure in 2013 and was referred to cardiologists at INTEGRIS Health. He underwent placement of a HeartMate 2 Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD) twice there before it was recommended that Chappell pursue a heart transplant. He was subsequently placed on the transplant list in 2020.

Just nine months ago, in July 2021, Chappell received his new heart at INTEGRIS Health and will now be honored during National Donate Life Month.

“Home Run For Life” recognizes individuals in the Oklahoma City community who have overcome a significant medical event with the help of their families, physicians and health care professionals. To symbolize the end of their battle against adversity, honorees take a home run “lap” around the bases during an in-game ceremony.

“Each month during the baseball season, we are proud to partner with INTEGRIS Health to honor the perseverance and courage displayed by these incredible Oklahomans,” OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes said. “’Home Run For Life’ allows us to uniquely recognize their amazing and inspiring stories of triumph over significant health challenges.”

While waiting for a heart transplant, Chappell was hospitalized in March 2021 after complications from a bout with asymptomatic COVID-19 in late 2020 that left him with internal bleeding.

He said the doctors put it plainly: “The only way to fix it is to put a new heart in you.”

Chappell, now 58, spent four months in the hospital waiting for his new heart, but he didn’t let that stop him from being productive. He had a desk set up in his hospital room allowing him to work remotely. Chappell didn’t miss a single paycheck

“Why not?” Chappell replied when asked about his desire to work from his room. “I’m not going to sit around here and dwell on being sick.”

Chappell became a regular at INTEGRIS Health, getting acquainted with many of the staff. He raves about the quality of care and company he received at INTEGRIS Health.

They’d been through the journey with me this whole time,” he said. “They’re great caregivers.”

In July 2021, everyone received the good news. Chappell was getting his new heart.

“I’m one of the fortunate ones,” he said.

To read Chappell’s full story, visit the OKC Dodgers’ “Beyond the Bricks” website at: medium.com/beyond-the-bricks.

The OKC Dodgers are in the midst of a 12-game homestand at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark that continues tonight at 7:05 p.m. Upcoming promotional highlights include:

• Friday, April 29: Gates open at 6 p.m. and the first 1,000 fans receive an OKC Dodgers hat. Friday Night Fireworks presented by Springhill Suites are also scheduled to follow the game, which falls on a Braum’s Friends and Family Night featuring a special offer for groups of 10 or more.

• Saturday, April 30: Girl Scout Night is Saturday at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Groups of 10 or more can enjoy a special ticket package and participate in a pregame on-field parade.

• Sunday, May 1: After the conclusion of the 2:05 p.m. game, kids can take the field to run the bases.

• Tuesday, May 3: A Field Trip Day is set for an 11:05 a.m. first pitch and gives students a chance to enjoy a fun class outing before the school year ends. Groups of 10 or more can purchase a special ticket package.

• Friday, May 6: Revel: Speed Painter presented by Courtyard by Marriott will perform. The performance artist creates works of art live, upside down and in less than two minutes. His 2021 performance resulted in the Dodgers winning a coveted Golden Bobblehead for Best In-Game Promotion/Feature during the 2021 Minor League Baseball season. Fireworks are scheduled to follow the game. An All-You-Can-Eat ticket offer is also available, providing a terrace level seat and all-you-can-eat food, including hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, and soft drinks for $25.

• Saturday, May 7: Braum’s Friends and Family Night features a special offer for groups of 10 or more. Also, Braum’s Friends & Family 4-Packs are available, including four tickets, four hats and four Braum’s restaurant vouchers starting at just $43.99.

• Sunday, May 8: Following the conclusion of the 2:05 p.m. game, kids can take the field to run the bases.

Tickets can be purchased through okcdodgers.com/tickets. For general information or inquiries, please visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2182.

Live radio coverage of each OKC Dodgers game begins 15 minutes before first pitch on AM 1340 “The Game,” 1340thegame.com and through the free iHeartRadio or MiLB First Pitch apps. All OKC Dodgers games are also available streamed live on MiLB.TV with a subscription.

Tagged as : Home Run for Life, Los Angeles Dodgers, Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Dodgers, Pacific Coast League, Public Recognition/Celebrations/Events { }

Round Rock Express to Host Tornado Relief Fundraiser on Opening Day

March 31, 2022

Portion of Proceeds from Tickets Sales on Tuesday, April 5 to be Donated to Round Rock Cares Fund

 

 ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Round Rock Express are proud to partner with the Round Rock Community Foundation to host a tornado relief fundraiser during the club’s Opening Day game on Tuesday, April 5. A total of $5 from each ticket purchased using the promo code “RRStrong” via RRExpress.com will be donated to the Round Rock Cares fund through the Round Rock Community Foundation.

Round Rock Cares is a charitable fund managed by the Greater Round Rock Community Foundation. Fans who already purchased tickets but would still like to donate and those who wish to contribute further may do so by visiting RRExpress.com. For more information on the Round Rock Community Foundation, visit rrcommunityfoundation.org.

Round Rock Mayor Craig Morgan and Greater Round Rock Community Foundation Chair Nyle Maxwell launched the Round Rock Cares initiative to assist Round Rock citizens who were directly affected by the severe weather event that struck Round Rock on Monday, March 21.

“Many of our families and businesses face a long and difficult road ahead,” Mayor Morgan said in a statement. “In the days after the tornado, I’ve seen how our community has come together and helped each other, and the top concern of affected residents I’ve spoken with is how they will be impacted financially. This fund is intended to help people impacted by the storm get back on their feet faster, and give them some peace of mind so they can start rebuilding their lives.”

In the hours following the disaster, local community leaders from the Round Rock Police Department, Round Rock Fire Department, Austin Disaster Relief Network and American Red Cross set up a base camp at Dell Diamond to serve as a resource center for all residents that were impacted by the tornado. Volunteers provided essential items such as non-perishable food items, gift cards, pet supplies and even financial assistance to those in need.

“Giving back to the local community is one of the pillars that Dell Diamond and the Round Rock Express was built upon. We are honored to have been able to use our facility to assist those in need immediately after the tornado outbreak,” Round Rock Express President Chris Almendarez said. “On behalf of the Express organization, we would like to thank all of our local first responders, government leaders and volunteers for their quick and effective response. We invite the Round Rock community to join us on April 5 to help thank those individuals and raise money for those who remain in need.”

Dell Diamond also served as a home base for coordinating the community cleanup efforts. Local community leaders who were instrumental in Round Rock’s response to the disaster will be on hand for Opening Day on Tuesday, April 5. Fans can help contribute to the cause by purchasing tickets using promo code “RRStrong” via RRExpress.com.

The Round Rock Express kick off the 2022 campaign with Opening Day at Dell Diamond on Tuesday, April 5 at 7:05 p.m. as the El Paso Chihuahuas (San Diego Padres affiliate) come to town. Single game tickets as well as full season and mini season membership plans are on sale now. For more information about the Express, visit RRExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Subscribe to the E-Train email newsletter and keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Tagged as : Disaster Relief, Pacific Coast League, Round Rock Express, Supporting the Community, Texas, Texas Rangers { }

OKC Dodgers and LifeShare Encourage Organ Donation with Continued Partnership

March 28, 2022

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers proudly continue their partnership with LifeShare of Oklahoma to help raise awareness for organ, eye and tissue donation and encourage Oklahomans to register as LifeShare Everlasting Fans.

The start of the OKC Dodgers baseball season April 5 coincides with National Donate Life Month and guests at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark can sign up during any Dodgers’ game to become LifeShare Everlasting Fans and register as an organ, eye and tissue donor. Those who register during games at the promotions kiosk, located on the concourse behind section 109, will receive a limited-edition T-shirt.

During the previous two baseball seasons combined, more than 2,200 people have registered to become an organ donor at OKC Dodgers games and more than 5,000 people have registered to become an organ donor via the partnership since 2016.

“LifeShare is honored to partner with the Oklahoma City Dodgers again to share about the importance of registering as an organ, eye, and tissue donor,” said Jeffrey Orlowski, President and Chief Executive Officer of LifeShare. “This year, we hope to see more Dodger fans registering to be donors at the promotions table on the concourse, so together we can save more lives.”

LifeShare of Oklahoma is a nonprofit, federally designated and statewide organ procurement organization dedicated to the recovery of organs and tissue for transplant purposes. LifeShare, created in 1986, works closely with three transplant centers and 145 health care organizations in Oklahoma to facilitate donation and the organization’s core purpose is save lives, according to its website.

National Donate Life Month began in 2003 and is celebrated in April to “help raise awareness about donation, encourage Americans to register as organ, eye and tissue donors and to honor those that have saved lives through the gift of donation,” according to the Donate Life America website.

The OKC Dodgers open the 2022 baseball season at 7:05 p.m. April 5 against the Albuquerque Isotopes at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark on a $2 Tuesday, featuring $2 select beer, soda and bottled water from a line of Budweiser and Pepsi products. COOP Ale Works draft beer will also be available at a special rate of $3. Fireworks are also scheduled to follow the game.

Tickets for all April, May and June OKC Dodgers’ games are available online at okcdodgers.com. Season ticket and group packages are also available for purchase and Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark is open to host a variety of unique events year-round. Visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2182 for more information.

Tagged as : Los Angeles Dodgers, Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Dodgers, Organ/Tissue Donation, Pacific Coast League, Supporting the Community { }

Reno Aces, Washoe County Health District, and Nevada Tobacco Prevention Coalition Team Up to Make Greater Nevada Field Tobacco Free

March 23, 2022

RENO, Nev. – The Reno Aces are thrilled to announce that Greater Nevada Field will be a smoke and vape-free facility starting on Aces’ Opening Day on Tuesday, April 12 thanks to a newly formed partnership with the Nevada Tobacco Prevention Coalition.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with The Nevada Tobacco Prevention Coalition on this very important Tobacco Free initiative at Greater Nevada Field. We are constantly working to improve the ballpark experience for our fans and this is a big step in the right direction,” said Chris Phillips, Chief Operating Officer for the Aces.

The new policy will prohibit the use of all smoke and tobacco products, including cigarettes, chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes (including Juul) and all vapes on ballpark property. Signage will be posted at all entrances of Greater Nevada Field and fans can expect educational messaging to be shared throughout Aces’ games all year.

“The Nevada Tobacco Prevention Coalition (NTPC) is very excited to support a smoke and vape-free setting at Greater Nevada Field,” said Taylor Allison, NPTC President. “By offering a smoke and vape-free environment, the Reno Aces are prioritizing the health of Northern Nevada’s children, parents, grandparents, friends and neighbors.”

The Aces’ season begins on April 5, with Opening Day at Greater Nevada Field on April 12 at 1:05 p.m. PT against the Sacramento River Cats. Individual game, full and partial-season, as well as eight-game ticket plans, are currently on sale on RenoAces.com.

Tagged as : Arizona Diamondbacks, Pacific Coast League, Promoting Health/Fitness, Reno Aces { }

Deadline Approaching for Oklahoma Teachers to Register for Growing OKC Dodgers MVP Program

March 17, 2022



OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma elementary school teachers have until March 31 to register for the free, statewide Oklahoma City Dodgers MVP Program: Encouraging STEM Education. All second-, third- and fourth-grade teachers and classrooms throughout Oklahoma are eligible to participate in the sixth year of the program thanks to partners Devon Energy and Olsson.

The OKC Dodgers MVP Program incentivizes teachers and students to participate in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) curriculum, rewarding students for their STEM achievements both inside and outside of the classroom.

The program is being offered statewide in Oklahoma for a fourth straight year and has expanded to include second-grade classrooms for the first time.

“The OKC Dodgers MVP Program allows us to provide important STEM-based education to our Oklahoma youth in a fun way with unique classroom resources and incentives to learning,” Michael Byrnes, OKC Dodgers President/General Manager, said. “We are grateful to our partners Devon Energy and Olsson for helping us grow the program throughout Oklahoma and we look forward to continuing to reach new classrooms.”

The MVP Program impacted more than 10,000 students during the 2020-21 school year despite having to navigate unique classroom challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, adding a website filled with STEM activities and resources to help accommodate distance learning that remains available for the 2021-22 academic year.

The number of students impacted year-to-date has already grown more than 50 percent from last year with two weeks still remaining to register.

“We’ve already seen a tremendous increase in participation this year and want to ensure eligible teachers don’t miss out on this great opportunity to register their classrooms before the end of the month,” Byrnes said.

Participation in the MVP Program was initially only open to Oklahoma City Public Schools third- and fourth-grade classrooms in 2016-17. After a successful start, the program expanded in 2017-18 to include additional metro-area classrooms in the Mid-Del, Putnam City, Edmond and Norman school districts. The OKC Dodgers MVP Program became available statewide in 2018-19 and added second-grade classrooms for the 2021-22 academic year.

“I use the program to stimulate critical thinking skills in the classroom,” said Kiera Smith, a teacher in Oklahoma City. “The program has also given my students more hands-on moments and a bit of a competitive edge.”

Participating teachers receive all necessary MVP Program materials free of charge, as well as tickets to an OKC Dodgers game honoring MVP participants. All students participating in the MVP Program will receive tickets to an OKC Dodgers game honoring MVP participants and also receive an exclusive MVP baseball hat.

The OKC Dodgers MVP Program culminates each summer with MVP Field Day at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark — an exclusive event for participating MVP students and teachers, as well as their families, featuring numerous STEM activities.

During the last four years, participating teachers have integrated the program into their classrooms in a variety of ways.

“We used digital content to test over basic math and science skills, critical thinking and hands-on STEM challenges,” said Krystal Clouse, a teacher in OKC. “The students had to complete most of the work outside of the classroom and show real initiative in order to participate”

“I use it as a motivational tool,” Rita Entwistle, a teacher in OKC, said. “It keeps the students wanting to work hard in all areas of the school day, with behavior and academics.”

“I use the program in a variety of ways,” said Dorothy Ray, a teacher Wewoka, Okla. “Hard work, organization and engagement are big in my classroom, but above anything else, kindness, respect and self-worth come first. The grade doesn’t define a student’s success. Motivation, determination, convictions, valor and gains is how young people become better at what they will accomplish.”

For additional information about the OKC Dodgers MVP Program, or to register by March 31 as a participating teacher for 2021-22, visit okcdodgers.com/mvp or email [email protected].

Single-game tickets for the OKC Dodgers’ April, May and June home games at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark are on sale now and the team’s home opener is scheduled for April 5 against the Albuquerque Isotopes. Season ticket and group packages are also available for purchase and Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark is open to host a variety of unique events year-round. Visit okcdodgers.com or call (405) 218-2182 for more information.

Tagged as : Children's Health and Development, Education/Teacher Support, Los Angeles Dodgers, Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Dodgers, Pacific Coast League, STEM Education Programs { }

Dates Announced for 2022 Express Camps Series

March 16, 2022



ROUND ROCK, Texas – The Round Rock Express are excited to announce dates for the 2022 Express Camps series at Dell Diamond. Seven unique offerings in the popular baseball and softball camp series are available this year, catering to a variety of ages and skill levels. Registration is now available at ExpressCamps.com.

The Express will offer three half-day camps for participants ages 6-12 this summer with sessions running June 13-16, July 11-14 and August 8-11. A half-day softball camps is also available from August 1-4 for ages 6-14. All half-day camps are scheduled to run from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. The Express will also offer a pair of full-day camps, available to participants ages 8-14, from June 20-23 and again from July 18-21. Full-day camps are set to run from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. each day, with access to the Dell Diamond swimming pool from 4:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m.

The annual winter camp is set for December 28-30 and is available for campers ages 6-14. The winter camp will run from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. each day.

A full 2022 Express Camps schedule is available at ExpressCamps.com.

Express Camps offer big league quality instruction on the fundamentals of the game. Camps range by age and offer opportunities for all skill levels by providing high-level instruction from knowledgeable, experienced and passionate coaches. Every camp aims to develop the complete player by emphasizing physical, mental and leadership skill sets.

The Round Rock Express kick off the 2022 campaign with Opening Day at Dell Diamond on Tuesday, April 5 at 7:05 p.m. as the El Paso Chihuahuas (San Diego Padres affiliate) come to town. Single game tickets as well as full season and mini season membership plans are on sale now. For more information about the Express, visit RRExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Subscribe to the E-Train email newsletter and keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Tagged as : Baseball Camps/Instruction, Children's Health and Development, Pacific Coast League, Round Rock Express, Texas, Texas Rangers, Youth Sports { }

Round Rock Express to Host Job Fair on Saturday, March 12

March 2, 2022

 

ROUND ROCK, Texas – Have you dreamed of working in professional baseball? The Round Rock Express and RS3 Strategic Hospitality are hosting a job fair on Saturday, March 12 from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. inside the United Heritage Center at Dell Diamond. The organizations are seeking gameday and event staff for the upcoming 2022 Minor League Baseball season.

Hiring managers will be on hand looking for qualified, hardworking candidates with great guest service skills who are able to work baseball games as well as other sporting and non-sporting events in a variety of different positions. Candidates must be at least 16 years of age to apply, must be able to pass a background check and must be able to work all Express home games at Dell Diamond as well as additional events as needed. The 2022 Round Rock Express schedule can be found at RRExpress.com. Please note, the current Major League Baseball lockout does not affect Minor League Baseball operations or minor league players.

The Round Rock Express are looking to fill the following positions:

  • 50/50 Raffle Sellers
  • Cleaning Crew/Green Team
  • Clubhouse Attendants
  • Gameday Entertainment Staff
  • Groundscrew
  • Guest Services
  • Kid’s Playground Attendants
  • Parking Lot Attendants
  • Patron Screening
  • Retail Assistants
  • Ticket Takers
  • Ushers

RS3 Strategic Hospitality, the official food and beverage provider for the Round Rock Express and Dell Diamond, is hiring for the following positions:

  • Bartenders
  • Cashiers
  • Cooks
  • Banquet, Concessions and Restaurant Runners
  • Banquet and Restaurant Servers

All candidates are encouraged to pre-register by visiting RRExpress.com.

The Round Rock Express kick off the 2022 campaign with Opening Day at Dell Diamond on Tuesday, April 5 at 7:05 p.m. as the El Paso Chihuahuas (San Diego Padres affiliate) come to town. Single game tickets as well as full season and mini season membership plans are on sale now. For more information about the Express, visit RRExpress.com or call (512) 255-2255. Subscribe to the E-Train email newsletter and keep up with the Express on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!

Tagged as : Employment Opportunities, Pacific Coast League, Round Rock Express, Texas, Texas Rangers { }

The Nine: Top-5

February 25, 2022

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is a look at five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Sacramento River Cats.

Tyson Ross

Former Sacramento River Cats right-hander Tyson Ross has California in his blood. The Berkeley, California native was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the second round of the 2008 MLB Draft out of the University of California, Berkeley before becoming an All Star with the San Diego Padres in 2014.

Prior to his move south, Ross spent five years in the Oakland organization, three split between the A’s and Sacramento. In 30 games with the River Cats, Ross was 11-5 with a 4.30 ERA, 128 strikeouts, and a 1.48 WHIP.

He was traded to the Padres in 2012 in exchange for infielder Andy Parrino and left-hander Andrew Werner. Ross excelled with the Padres, posting a sub-3.30 ERA in each of his first three seasons in San Diego.

In 10 MLB seasons, Ross is 44-70 with a 4.04 ERA, 816 strikeouts, and a 1.36 WHIP in 904.2 innings, last pitching in the Majors in 2019 with Detroit.

Ross’ strongest impact now is off the field, inspiring young baseball players in the Bay Area. He is the founder of the Loyal To My Soil program, where he and his big leaguer peers gather to “educate, inspire, and coach the kids of our community to be great on and off the field.”

You can hear Ross talk about his MLB journey, his time in Sacramento, and Loyal To My Soil on episode eight of the River Cats Nine Lives Podcast.

Chris Carter (2012)
River Cats Media

Chris Carter

Former Sacramento first baseman/left fielder Chris Carter is one of the most powerful sluggers in the Oakland A’s era of River Cats history, with his 65 home runs still standing atop the team’s leader board.

He played 285 games for the River Cats from 2009-2012, finishing inside the franchise’s top-10 with 233 RBIs (third), 156 walks (tied for sixth), 68 doubles (seventh), and 202 runs (sixth).

After four years in the minors, Carter broke into the majors in 2010, bashing 158 home runs for four teams across eight MLB seasons. His best season was 2016 with Milwaukee, where he tied for the National League lead with 41 home runs, and also won the Brewers Good Guy Award.

The 2005 15th-round pick by the Chicago White Sox outperformed his draft slot with a prolific minor league career. The three-time top-100 prospect on Baseball America (2009-2011) earned seven Player of the Week awards, 14 All-Star nods (one with Sacramento in 2010), and played in the 2009 Futures Game.

Carter was originally acquired from Chicago by Arizona in 2007 for All-Star outfielder Carlos Quentin. He was quickly traded to Oakland alongside fellow former River Cats Carlos González, Brett Anderson, Aaron Cunningham, Greg Smith, and Dana Eveland for All-Star right-hander Dan Haren. He left the Oakland organization in Feb. of 2013 as part of the package for infielder Jed Lowrie.

Former River Cats infielder Jemile Weeks while with Sacramento.
River Cats Media

Jemile Weeks

Former Sacramento River Cats second baseman Jemile Weeks is one of the fastest players in River Cats history.

The speedy switch-hitter had a standout career at the University of Miami before going 12th overall to the Oakland A’s in the 2008 MLB Draft.

The professional game did not slow Weeks down.

After making the Futures Game in his first full professional season, Weeks impressed in the Arizona Fall League, being named a Player of the Week and Rising Star while earning a spot on the All-Prospect Team.

He arrived in Sacramento in 2011, posting a .417 on-base percentage through his first 45 Triple-A games.

Weeks turned that hot start into an MLB debut, where he had an impressive June, winning American League Rookie of the Month.

He played parts of six MLB seasons with Oakland, Baltimore, Boston, and San Diego, hitting .254 with 121 runs, 45 doubles, 18 triples, 62 RBIs, and 41 stolen bases in 260 games.

In 185 games for Sacramento from 2011-2013, Weeks hit .287 with 131 runs, 29 doubles, seven home runs, 72 RBIs, 28 stolen bases, and is tied for third all time in team history with 14 triples.

Weeks continues to make an impact off the field as the executive director for the nonprofit organization WeFam United, Inc., located in Orlando, Florida. WeFam United aims to “change the narrative of our underserved youth.”

Listen to Weeks talk about WeFam United, his time in Sacramento, his MLB draft experience, and more on episode 13 of the River Cats Nine Lives Podcast.

Former Sacramento and Stanford outfielder Michael Taylor while with the River Cats.
River Cats Media

Michael Taylor

Former Sacramento River Cats outfielder Michael Taylor is one of the most successful hitters to don the RC logo.

Drafted out of Stanford University in the fifth round by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2007 MLB Draft, Taylor had a well-decorated MiLB career. His impressive production in the Philadelphia system led to his inclusion in the Phillies’ 2009 trade for Hall-of-Fame right-hander Roy Halladay.

Taylor was a five-time Player of the Week (one with Sacramento in 2012), two-time Mid-Season All-Star, a Post-Season All-Star, a Topps Double-A All-Star, and two-time Organization All-Star while with the River Cats in 2012 and 2013.

The 6’5 outfielder did everything for the River Cats during his five seasons in Sacramento.

He was the River Cats’ Most Improved Player in 2010, Defensive Player of the Year in 2011, and Most Exciting Player in 2013.

He still holds the title of River Cats’ all-time RBIs leader with 325 and also ranks second in games played (511), at-bats (1,900), runs (299), hits (521), doubles (112), walks (266), and steals (60).

Taylor played 37 games in the Majors for the Oakland A’s and Chicago White Sox, hitting his first MLB home run off left-hander Derek Holland on Sept. 20, 2011. He hit his 100th professional home run on April 10, 2014 at Las Vegas.

Former River Cats infielder/outfielder Eric Patterson
River Cats Media

Eric Patterson

Former Sacramento River Cats infielder/outfielder Eric Patterson is one of the best table-setters in franchise history.

The eighth round pick out of Georgia Institute of Technology by the Chicago Cubs in 2004 wracked up plenty of Minor League awards. The highlights include three Player of the Weeks, six Mid-Season All-Star nods, three Post-Season All-Star honors, a 2006 Futures Game selection, and a spot on the Arizona Fall League Rising Stars team.

Patterson broke out in 2009 with Sacramento, winning the River Cats’ MVP and Most Exciting Player awards, and leading the team with a .307 batting average. He currently ranks fourth all-time in River Cats history with 51 steals and is tied for fifth with 13 triples.

The speedster played parts of five seasons in the Majors, making his debut with the Cubs on Aug. 6, 2007. In 226 MLB games, Patterson hit .217, with 65 runs, 20 doubles, seven triples, 10 home runs, 50 RBIs, and 35 stolen bases.

He was acquired by Oakland on July 8, 2008 alongside then-catcher Josh Donaldson, right-hander Sean Gallagher, and outfielder Matt Murton for right-handers Chad Gaudin and Rich Harden. Patterson was the left fielder in former River Cats left-hander Dallas Braden’s 2010 Perfect Game for the Athletics.

Tagged as : California, Diversity/Inclusion, Honoring History, Pacific Coast League, Sacramento River Cats, San Francisco Giants { }

The Nine: Eric Patterson

February 25, 2022

 

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is the final installment of five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Sacramento River Cats.

Former Sacramento River Cats infielder/outfielder Eric Patterson is one of the best table-setters in franchise history.

The eighth round pick out of Georgia Institute of Technology by the Chicago Cubs in 2004 wracked up plenty of Minor League awards. The highlights include three Player of the Weeks, six Mid-Season All-Star nods, three Post-Season All-Star honors, a 2006 Futures Game selection, and a spot on the Arizona Fall League Rising Stars team.

Patterson broke out in 2009 with Sacramento, winning the River Cats’ MVP and Most Exciting Player awards, and leading the team with a .307 batting average. He currently ranks fourth all-time in River Cats history with 51 steals and is tied for fifth with 13 triples.

The speedster played parts of five seasons in the Majors, making his debut with the Cubs on Aug. 6, 2007. In 226 MLB games, Patterson hit .217, with 65 runs, 20 doubles, seven triples, 10 home runs, 50 RBIs, and 35 stolen bases.

He was acquired by Oakland on July 8, 2008 alongside then-catcher Josh Donaldson, right-hander Sean Gallagher, and outfielder Matt Murton for right-handers Chad Gaudin and Rich Harden. Patterson was the left fielder in former River Cats left-hander Dallas Braden’s 2010 Perfect Game for the Athletics.

Tagged as : California, Diversity/Inclusion, Honoring History, Pacific Coast League, Sacramento River Cats, San Francisco Giants { }

Black History Month: Top Players During OKC’s Indians/89ers Era (Part 2)

February 25, 2022

In celebration of Black History Month, teams across Minor League Baseball are honoring some of the best Black players in their respective histories.

This is the final installment of a three-part series tracing through Oklahoma City’s baseball history. Previous installments covered the Bricktown era and the Indians/89ers era between the 1950s through the mid-1960s. The final chapter covers the 89ers from the late-1960s through 1990s.

Players were selected based on a combination of individual season and career achievements while playing for Oklahoma City, as well as their Major League careers. They are presented below in chronological order.

Bob Watson (Provided provided by the Oklahoma City Dodgers archives)

Bob Watson (Outfielder/First Baseman; 1967-69)

Although Watson made his Major League debut with Houston in 1966 with a one-game, one-plate appearance cameo, he spent parts of the next three seasons in Oklahoma City. In his 122 total games with the 89ers, Watson batted .358 to go along with a .414 on-base percentage, 17 home runs and 79 RBI. In 1969, he put up an incredible .408/.462/.601 batting line over 61 games.

Watson played in parts of 19 seasons in the Majors with the Astros, Red Sox, Yankees and Braves. He was a two-time All-Star, making the National League roster in 1973 and 1976. Watson etched his name into the history books when he became the first player ever to hit for the cycle in both the National League (1977) and American League (1979). He was a career .295 hitter and finished just shy of 200 home runs (184) and 1,000 RBI (989).

Once his playing days ended, Watson transition to coaching and then moved on to the front office. He was hired by the Astros as their General Manager in 1993, becoming the second Black GM in MLB history. After joining the Yankees in the same role about two years later, he became the first Black GM to win a World Series in 1996. Watson also spent 10 years (2000-10) as a Vice President for on-field operations with Major League Baseball.

John Mayberry (Photo courtesy of The Oklahoman via “Glory Days of Summer: The History of Baseball in Oklahoma”)

John Mayberry (First Baseman; 1968-71)

Mayberry was barely a year removed from high school when he first played for the 89ers in 1968. During his first full season with the team in 1969 at only 20 years old, Mayberry batted .304/.393/.522 with 21 homers, 29 doubles and 78 RBI. He also played about half of the season with the 89ers in both the 1970 and 1971 campaigns as he went back and forth between OKC and Houston. Over 281 career games with the 89ers, Mayberry hit an impressive .297./405/.507 with 47 home runs and 161 RBI.

The slugging first baseman spent part of 15 seasons in the Majors (1968-82) with the Astros, Royals, Blue Jays and Yankees. The best seasons of his big league career came in Kansas City, making the All-Star Team in 1973 and 1974, and finishing second in American League MVP voting in 1975 when he batted .291 with 34 homers, 38 doubles, 106 RBI and a league-leading 119 walks. He was inducted into the Royals Hall of Fame in 1996.

Mayberry collected 255 home runs and 679 RBI throughout his ML career. He also walked 71 more times than he struck out.

Additionally, Mayberry has the distinction of being part of a rare two-generation tandem to play for Oklahoma City. His son, John Jr., spent nearly the entire 2008 season plying for the RedHawks.

(Photo courtesy of Topps via Vintage Card Prices)

Scipio Spinks (Pitcher; 1969-71)

Spinks started at least 19 games in each of his three seasons with the 89ers, totaling 70 starts – including 22 complete games – and 434.0 innings. After a rocky first season, Spinks posted a 3.28 ERA over his final two seasons with OKC.

He totaled 444 strikeouts, which is the unofficial 89ers career record. His 173 strikeouts in 1971 were the fifth-most in a single season during the 89ers era. In 1969, he threw a no-hitter during a seven-inning game against Omaha, albeit in a 2-1 loss.

Spinks spent parts of five seasons in the Majors with the Astros and Cardinals. His finest season was in 1972 with St. Louis, when he notched a 2.67 ERA over 16 starts. However, that promising season was derailed when he sustained a knee injury during a collision at home plate. It also began an unfortunate series of injuries that curtailed his playing career, and he retired following the 1975 season. Following his playing days, Spinks has served as a pitching coach in the Minors as well as a pro scout in the Astros and Diamondbacks organizations.

J.R. Richard (Photo courtesy of The Oklahoman via “Glory Days of Summer: The History of Baseball in Oklahoma”)

J.R. Richard (Pitcher; 1971-72)

American Association hitters did not prove to be too much of a match for Richard during his two seasons with Oklahoma City. Richard made a total of 43 starts, totaling 301.0 innings and a cumulative 2.69 ERA. He struck out 371 batters while only allowing 210 hits during that time.

He led the American Association with both a 2.45 ERA and 202 strikeouts during the 1971 season. It’s also the second-best single-season ERA by any pitcher during the 89ers era and the third-highest single-season strikeout total.

Richard debuted with the Astros in 1971, spending all 10 years of his Major League career with Houston. He led the National League with a 2.71 ERA in 1979 and paced the circuit in strikeouts in both 1978 and 1979, finishing in the top four of Cy Young Voting each year. Richard made his only All-Star team in 1980 and was the National League’s starting pitcher after going 10-4 with a 1.90 ERA through his first 17 starts.

Sadly, Richard suffered a stroke later that season, effectively ending his playing career just months after turning 30 years old. Richard finished with a career 3.15 ERA, 107 wins and 1,493 strikeouts. He remains third among Astros career record leaders in both strikeouts and ERA, and he was inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame in 2019.

Lonnie Smith (Photo courtesy of the Oklahoma City Dodgers archives)

Lonnie Smith (Outfielder; 1976-79)

Smith spent nearly four full seasons with the 89ers during the club’s affiliation with the Phillies and was nicknamed “Lightnin’ Lonnie.” The speedy outfielder played in 494 career games for OKC, amassing 581 hits, a .307 batting average, 393 runs and 171 stolen bases – the unofficial 89ers career record.

Smith owns three of the top 10 highest single-season steals totals from the 89ers era, including a league-leading 66 in 1978, which also ranks second all-time in team history. In his final season with OKC, Smith batted .330 and led the American Association with 106 runs scored.

He went on to play 17 seasons in the Majors, and during his first full season in 1980, he not only won a World Series with the Phillies, but finished second for NL Rookie of the Year. Smith also captured championships with St. Louis in 1982 and Kansas City in 1985. He made his only All-Star team and finished second in NL MVP voting in 1982. After retiring following the strike of 1994, Smith finished his career with a .288 batting average, 1,488 hits, 909 runs and 370 stolen bases.

Tommy Dunbar (Photo courtesy of the Oklahoma City Dodgers archives)

Tommy Dunbar (Outfielder; 1983-86)

Similar to Smith, Dunbar spent parts of four seasons patrolling the outfield at All Sports Stadium. He played in 424 games, batting .291 with 443 hits, 82 doubles, and 233 RBI. He also drew 217 career walks and finished his 89ers tenure with more walks than strikeouts.

Dunbar won the league batting title in 1984 when he hit .337 – tied for fourth-best in club history. He also led the league with a .417 on-base percentage that season. During his final season with the 89ers in 1986, he set a career high with 91 RBI and ranked second in the league.

Dunbar’s Major League career spanned only parts of three seasons with the Rangers (1983-85), totaling 91 games and 249 plate appearances. He journeyed around Triple-A for most of his career and played through 1991, finishing his pro career with over 1,300 hits and 700 RBI.

Thank you for reading our series honoring Oklahoma City’s best Black baseball players throughout Black History Month. To learn more about Minor League Baseball’s “The Nine,” <a href=”https://www.milb.com/fans/the-nine” target=”blank”> click here._

Tagged as : Diversity/Inclusion, Honoring History, Los Angeles Dodgers, Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Dodgers, Pacific Coast League { }

The Nine: Michael Taylor

February 22, 2022

 

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is the fourth installment of five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Sacramento River Cats.

Former Sacramento River Cats outfielder Michael Taylor is one of the most successful hitters to don the RC logo.

Drafted out of Stanford University in the fifth round by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2007 MLB Draft, Taylor had a well-decorated MiLB career. His impressive production in the Philadelphia system led to his inclusion in the Phillies’ 2009 trade for Hall-of-Fame right-hander Roy Halladay.

Taylor was a five-time Player of the Week (one with Sacramento in 2012), two-time Mid-Season All-Star, a Post-Season All-Star, a Topps Double-A All-Star, and two-time Organization All-Star while with the River Cats in 2012 and 2013.

The 6’5 outfielder did everything for the River Cats during his five seasons in Sacramento.

He was the River Cats’ Most Improved Player in 2010, Defensive Player of the Year in 2011, and Most Exciting Player in 2013.

He still holds the title of River Cats’ all-time RBIs leader with 325 and also ranks second in games played (511), at-bats (1,900), runs (299), hits (521), doubles (112), walks (266), and steals (60).

Taylor played 37 games in the Majors for the Oakland A’s and Chicago White Sox, hitting his first MLB home run off left-hander Derek Holland on Sept. 20, 2011. He hit his 100th professional home run on May 1, 2014 against Tacoma.

Tagged as : California, Diversity/Inclusion, Honoring History, Pacific Coast League, Sacramento River Cats, San Francisco Giants { }

OKC Dodgers Hosting Annual Job Fair This Week

February 21, 2022

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma City Dodgers will host the team’s annual job fair for 2022 gameday staff on Thursday, Feb. 24 from 3-7 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 26 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark.

The Dodgers are seeking multi-talented, highly motivated team players. Available positions include ushers, gate attendants, ticket window attendants, field crew, cashiers, cooks, quick service managers, in-seat servers, team store staff and much more.

A full list of open positions can be found here.

“Our gameday staff has always been, and will always be, a vital piece of the fan experience at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark,” said OKC Dodgers President/General Manager Michael Byrnes. “We typically have around 250 gameday employees working during our home games, and the people we hire during our job fair are the ones on the front lines assisting fans and providing the level of unsurpassed customer service we pride ourselves on.”

The job fair will be held in the Legends Lounge at Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark on both days. Interested job seekers should enter the ballpark through the glass doors adjacent to the team store located on South Mickey Mantle Drive.

The 2022 baseball season begins April 5, with gameday employee training sessions throughout March. Those applying for any position must be available for all 75 Dodgers home games as well as other events held throughout the year. All applicants must be at least 16 years of age.

Applicants should be prepared to interview with Oklahoma City Dodgers’ full-time staff during the job fair. Bringing résumés are encouraged but not required.

For more information on the 2022 OKC Dodgers job fair, visit click here or call (405) 218-1000.

Tagged as : Employment Opportunities, Los Angeles Dodgers, Oklahoma, Oklahoma City Dodgers, Pacific Coast League { }

The Five Best Black Players in El Paso Professional Baseball History

February 18, 2022

 

Glenn Braggs played in 117 games for the 1985 Double-A El Paso Diablos, a first place team that went 86-50 and lost in the Texas League Championship Series to the Jackson Mets. Braggs hit .310, hit 20 home runs and drove in 103 runs that year. He later played seven seasons in the major leagues with the Milwaukee Brewers and Cincinnati Reds. Braggs won a World Series championship with Cincinnati in 1990.

Pat Listach played in 49 games for the 1991 Diablos, splitting time at second base and shortstop. That year’s Diablos team finished in first place and lost to the Shreveport Captains in the Texas League Championship Series. Listach played six seasons in the major leagues with the Brewers and Houston Astros. He was named American League Rookie of the Year in 1992.

Troy O’Leary played the entire 1992 season with the Diablos, hitting .334 with five home runs and 79 RBIs. He played 11 years in the major leagues with the Brewers, Boston Red Sox, Montreal Expos and Chicago Cubs. O’Leary piled up 1,100 hits in the majors and reached the MLB postseason with the Red Sox and Cubs.

Gary Sheffield was also part of a first place Diablos team in 1988. That year’s El Paso club lost to the Tulsa Drillers in the Texas League Championship Series. Sheffield went on to be a nine-time MLB All-Star, a National League batting champion and a World Series champion with the 1997 Florida Marlins. His 509 home runs are the 26th most in MLB history.

Greg Vaughn was Sheffield’s teammate on the 1988 Diablos. He hit .301 with a team leading 28 home runs and 105 RBIs that year. Vaughn went on to become a four-time MLB All-Star and hit 355 homers in his 15-year MLB career. He helped the San Diego Padres reach the 1998 World Series.

Tagged as : Diversity/Inclusion, El Paso Chihuahuas, Honoring History, Pacific Coast League, San Diego Padres, Texas { }

The Nine: The Early Years (1888-1971)

February 18, 2022

 

Minor League Baseball has announced the launch of “The Nine,” a new, Black-community focused outreach platform specifically designed to honor and celebrate the historic impact numerous Black baseball pioneers made on the sport. It’s named for the number Jackie Robinson wore during his only season playing in MiLB with the Triple-A Montreal Royals in 1946. The Albuquerque Isotopes will look back at the rich history of Black ballplayers in the Duke City by highlighting the Top Nine over various eras.

P/2B Bud Fowler – 1888

Bud Fowler played professional baseball all over the United States, usually only one year at a time due to the color of his skin. Fowler integrated baseball in New Mexico in 1888, playing for a team in Santa Fe, the only year of the New Mexico Baseball League, and also co-owned a barber shop at the Plaza. Historians estimate he played for more than a dozen leagues and Fowler himself said “22 different states and in Canada.” In 1909, the Berkshire Eagle wrote, “For 16 years he was a pitcher and for 12 years a second baseman, and he never wore a glove, taking everything that came his way with bare hands. He was considered the equal of any man who ever covered the position.” Fowler will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in July 2022.

1B/C/OF Bill Pettus – 1902-03, 1906

Bill Pettus skirted the so-called “gentlemen’s agreement” for many years, playing baseball in 1902 and 1903 in Albuquerque, the only Black player on an otherwise all-White team. Pettus was manager and team captain in 1905 for a team made up of 10 Mexicans and 2 Blacks. They went 48-1 that season. After a year as the only Black player on teams in Oakland and San Francisco, Pettus returned to Albuquerque in 1906. He caught for the Santa Fe Salmon Grays in 1907. Pettus also made money boxing and working the coal mines near Madrid, NM. He accumulated a .330 lifetime batting average over 12 years in the Negro Leagues for teams in Kansas City, Brooklyn, New York and Philadelphia.

OF/1B William Guice – 1953-54

William Lee “Bill” Guice attended high school in Alabama, where was a three-sport star, and served four years in the Air Force. Guice was one of three Black players on the 1953 pennant-winning Albuquerque Dukes team. Guice was unstoppable, compiling a .351 batting average, 32 doubles, 18 triples, 23 home runs and 145 RBIs in 139 games. He slugged .602, posted a 1010 OPS and was a West Texas-NM League All Star. The Chicago Cubs purchased his contract after the season and he played two more years in the minors, but a career-ending knee injury forced him to retire. Guice and his wife, Gladys, moved to Limo, Ohio. He worked the rest of his life at General Motors and the Teledyne Ohio Steel Foundry, and remained an active ballplayer and bowling in community leagues.

1B/OF Herbert Simpson – 1952-54

One of the biggest trailblazers for integrating baseball in the West, Herbert Harold “Briefcase” Simpson was one of the last links to Negro League Baseball when he died in 2015. Simpson integrated the Class-A Western International League in 1952, when he played at Spokane, then integrated the Class-C West Texas-New Mexico League when his contract was sold to the Dukes. Simpson played three years in Albuquerque and was one of the most popular players. His best season was 1953, when he slashed .372/.475/.563, as the Dukes won the league title. Dukes owner Cy Fausett invited Simpson to marry his high school sweetheart, Sophie Harris, at home plate before a game at Tingley Field in 1954. When Simpson injured his right ankle, the Dukes donated 10 percent of the proceeds from a game to help offset his medical bills.

LHP Grover Blacksher – 1953-54

A few days after graduating from El Cerrito High in Northern California, pitcher Grover Blacksher was signed by the Oakland Oaks of the Pacific Coast League and assigned to the Albuquerque Dukes in the West Texas-NM League. At age 18, Blacksher nearly threw a no-hitter for the Dukes on Sept. 13, 1953, giving up one hit in the eighth inning of a 5-0 win over Lubbock. That was Game 2 of the playoff series against Lubbock. Two weeks later, Blacksher was on the mound for the pennant-clinching victory over Clovis. A diminutive lefty who was listed at 5’7, 150 pounds, Blacksher was a consistent pitcher for the Dukes for two seasons.

RHP Reggie Lee – 1956

The Dukes were affiliated with the New York Giants in 1956 and played in the Class-A Western League. One of their pitchers was born James Reginald Lee in 1933 in Philadelphia. As a player, he went by Reggie Lee and he was a workhorse for the Dukes. Lee started 25 games and went the distance 10 times. Lee compiled an 11-9 record and 4.14 ERA. In an era when strikeouts were rare, Lee whiffed 183 batters in 176 innings (and also walked 115). Lee also hit one home run. Lee played two more seasons of minor league baseball before his professional playing career ended.

OF Willie Crawford – 1966-67

Los Angeles native Willie Crawford was clocked at 9.7 seconds in the 100-yard dash, making him a highly recruited running back for college. But two days after graduating from high school in 1963, Crawford signed with the Dodgers for $100,000. This was before the draft and the “Bonus Baby Rule” meant that Crawford had to spend time in the majors immediately, so Crawford make his debut at age 17 in 1964, and got a pinch-hit single in the 1965 World Series. Crawford played for Double-A Albuquerque in 1966 and 1967. The latter year he led the team to a first-place finish. Crawford was sixth in average (.305), seventh in homers (21) and eighth in OPS (888). He played 14 years in the major leagues and was a starting outfielder on the Dodgers 1974 World Series team.

RHP Leon Everitt – 1967

In an era before pitch counts and innings were monitored closely for young pitchers, Leon Everitt had the type of season in 1967 that would never occur now. At age 20, in his second full season of pro ball, Everitt made 30 starts, went the distance 16 times, tossed two shutouts, and compiled 222 innings. Everitt was 15-13 with a 3.45 ERA, and the Dodgers thought so highly of him, he was included on their roster for a Goodwill Tour to Japan that offseason. McBean reached the majors in 1969 with the expansion San Diego Padres, where he pitched in five games, but that proved to the final season of his career.

OF Von Joshua – 1968, 1972, 1988-92

Von Joshua crosses over a lot of significant markers in the Duke City’s baseball history. In 1968, he played for the Double-A Albuquerque Dodgers in the final season at Tingley Field. In 1972, he played for the Albuquerque Dukes in the first season as a Triple-A affiliate. Joshua won the PCL batting title that year with a .337 average, while adding 47 extra-base hits and 17 stolen bases. He played 10 years in the major leagues, then turned to coaching, and returned to Albuquerque again as the Dukes hitting coach from 1988-92. Joshua was inducted into the Albuquerque Professional Baseball Hall of Fame in 2014.

Other The Nine Articles:

The Nine: Isotopes Era (2003-Current)

The Nine: Triple-A Dukes Era (1972-2000)

Tagged as : Albuquerque Isotopes, Colorado Rockies, Diversity/Inclusion, Honoring History, New Mexico, Pacific Coast League { }

The Nine: Jemile Weeks

February 16, 2022

 

In celebration of Black History Month, throughout February, teams across Minor League Baseball are taking a look back at five of the best Black players to suit up for their club.

While some of these standout performers went on to long and illustrious Major League careers, others simply had great Minor League careers or, in some cases, just one incredible season that went down as “a year for the ages.”

Here is the third installment of five of the best Black baseball players ever to suit up for the Sacramento River Cats.

Former Sacramento River Cats second baseman Jemile Weeks is one of the fastest players in River Cats history.

The speedy switch-hitter had a standout career at the University of Miami before going 12th overall to the Oakland A’s in the 2008 MLB Draft.

The professional game did not slow Weeks down.

After making the Futures Game in his first full professional season, Weeks impressed in the Arizona Fall League, being named a Player of the Week and Rising Star while earning a spot on the All-Prospect Team.

He arrived in Sacramento in 2011, posting a .417 on-base percentage through his first 45 Triple-A games.

Weeks turned that hot start into an MLB debut, where he had an impressive June, winning American League Rookie of the Month.

He played parts of six MLB seasons with Oakland, Baltimore, Boston, and San Diego, hitting .254 with 121 runs, 45 doubles, 18 triples, 62 RBIs, and 41 stolen bases in 260 games.

In 185 games for Sacramento from 2011-2013, Weeks hit .287 with 131 runs, 29 doubles, seven home runs, 72 RBIs, 28 stolen bases, and is tied for third all time in team history with 14 triples.

Weeks continues to make an impact off the field as the executive director for the nonprofit organization WeFam United, Inc., located in Orlando, Florida. WeFam United aims to “change the narrative of our underserved youth.”

Listen to Weeks talk about WeFam United, his time in Sacramento, his MLB draft experience, and more on episode 13 of the River Cats Nine Lives Podcast.

Tagged as : California, Diversity/Inclusion, Honoring History, Pacific Coast League, Sacramento River Cats, San Francisco Giants { }

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