Gil Velazquez Named 2011 PCL All-Star

SALT LAKE CITY (June 29, 2011) - The Pacific Coast League announced today that Salt Lake Bees infielder Gil Velazquez has been named to the 2011 PCL All-Star Team. Velazquez will suit up for the 24th annual Triple-A All-Star Game, slated for July 13 at Spring Mobile Ballpark in Salt Lake City, when the PCL squad takes on the International League All-Stars. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. MT and the game will be broadcast live on MLB Network.

Velazquez, a 31-year-old native of Los Angeles, has appeared in 68 games for the Bees in 2011, hitting a team-high and career-high .355 with 13 doubles, two triples, four home runs, 38 RBI and eight stolen bases. In 2010, he owned a .249 average with 15 doubles, 18 RBI and four stolen bases in 72 games for Triple-A Pawtucket of the Boston Red Sox organization. Velazquez made his major league debut with the Red Sox on September 25, 2008 against the Cleveland Indians. He has appeared in nine major league games, all in 2008 and 2009 with the Red Sox.

Velazquez was originally selected by the New York Mets in the 14th round of the 1998 draft. This is his first All-Star selection of his 14-year professional playing career.

2011 will mark the 14th showdown under the current IL vs. PCL format, as the first 10 contests pitted All-Stars selected from National League affiliates against those from the American League. The overall series is tied at 7-6. Additional information about the Triple-A All-Star Game and its festivities can be found on the official websites of the Pacific Coast League (www.pclbaseball.com), the International League (www.ilbaseball.com), and the Salt Lake Bees (www.slbees.com).

Tickets for the 2011 Triple-A All-Star Game and Home Run Derby are currently available at the Spring Mobile Ballpark box office, online at slbees.com, and by calling (801) 325-BASE.