Tourists Third Baseman Nominated in MLB Rookie Award Again

Asheville, NC- Major League Baseball and Gillette have nominated former Tourist standout and current Colorado Rockies third baseman Ian Stewart as Rookie of the Month in August. Stewart, who won the award in July, was amongst the MLB league leaders again in the Month of August hitting .295 with five homeruns and 20 RBI.

The Gillette Rookie of the Month Award is decided by the fans and can be voted on throughout the week. Fans that cast their votes will be entered to win a trip to the World Series. Votes can be placed on the Colorado Rockies webpage www.colorado.mlb.com. This year's winners include Indians LHP Aaron Laffey, Rangers' David Murphy and Atlanta's Jair Jurrjens. Only four players have won the award in consecutive months, giving Stewart the opportunity to be the first to go back-to-back since 2007 Rookie of the Year Ryan Braun.

Stewart was drafted by the Rockies in the first round and played for Asheville in 2004. With the Tourists Stewart was second in the South Atlantic league with 30 homeruns and posted 101 RBI with a .319 batting average. Stewart made his MLB debut on August 11th 2007 against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The 23 year-old played in 35 games during the 2007 campaign and began 2008 at Triple-A Colorado Springs.

Stewart was called up to the Rockies this year at the end of May but struggled in his first trip back to the majors. The rookie slugger was then brought back up in July after injuries opened up a spot on the roster and Stewart solidified himself as the everyday third baseman with Garrett Atkins moving to first base. Stewart is currently batting .299 with 10 homeruns and 40 RBI for a resurgent Colorado team.

The Tourists current third baseman Darin Holcomb finished the regular season with 102 RBI. Holcomb's MVP season supplants Stewart's 101-RBI season to fourth All-time for the Tourists as a Colorado Rockies affiliate. The Asheville Tourists are the Single-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. Tickets are available by contacting the front office at (828)-258-0428 or on the website, www.theashevilletourists.com.

For more information about season tickets, mini-plans and all premium seating at McCormick Field, contact the Tourists front office at (828) 258-0428.