Seven 'Cats named New York-Penn League All-Stars
'Cats outfielder Andrew Aplin and catcher Tyler Heineman will both start for the NL squad. Aplin currently leads the NYPL in batting average (.356) and stolen bases (20). Heineman has arguably been Tri-City's hottest hitter over the past two weeks (batting .447 in his last ten games) and currently leads the team in batting average (.382 - he does not currently have enough plate appearances to qualify for the batting title).
Second baseman Austin "Catfish" Elkins and catcher Jobduan Morales are the two other position players selected to the roster. Elkins, the back-up to Batavia's Breyvic Valera, is hitting .318 (8th in the NYPL) with four home runs and 14 stolen bases (tied for 4th in the NYPL). Morales leads the team with five home runs, is second on the team in slugging (.480), and is currently hitting .285 (3rd amongst catchers in the NYPL).
Three pitchers off the ValleyCats pitching staff have also made the team. Starting pitchers Aaron West (6-0, 1.05 ERA) and Brian Holmes (5-1, 2.40 ERA), and league leading closer Blake Ford (12 saves, 2.14 ERA) round out the seven ValleyCat selections.
Morales will also participate in the Home Run Derby, with Andrew Aplin as a derby alternate. The All-Star Game will be held Tuesday, August 14 at Eastwood Field (home of the Mahoning Valley Scrappers) in Niles, OH. The game starts at 7:35 EST.