Springer named a post-season all-star
Springer, who was promoted to Double A Corpus Christi in early August, hit .316 with 22 home runs and 82 RBI in 106 games with Lancaster this season. He currently leads the team with 101 runs scored and 28 stolen bases.
Drafted with the 11th overall pick in 2011 out of the University of Connecticut, Springer played just eight games in the short-season New York/Penn League last season before being assigned to the High-A California League this year.
The New Britain, Conn. native was one of two JetHawks to play in this year's California League vs. Carolina League All-Star game in Winston-Salem, N.C. He batted third for the Cal League All-Stars and drove in a run.
The highlight of his season in Lancaster came in early May when Springer hit four home runs in four consecutive at-bats over two games of a double-header against the Lake Elsinore Storm. He became only the third Cal Leaguer ever to accomplish the feat and the first since the 1970s.
Aside from his offensive statistics, Springer patrolled centerfield for the JetHawks and routinely ran down deep fly-balls hit into the gaps in Lancaster's spacious outfield.
Springer is hitting .176 with three doubles and three stolen bases through 16 games in the Texas League.
JetHawks Clubhouse Manager Alex Mookas was named the California League's "Clubbie of the Year" for the second straight season. Mookas is in his third season in Lancaster. He has spent his off-seasons as a chef in the athletic department at Florida Statue University in Tallahassee.
Aside from Mookas' honor, the JetHawks did not receive any post-season player awards last season. Springer is the first JetHawk selected to the post-season all-star team since catcher Koby Clemens and outfielder Jon Gaston in 2009.
Reds prospect and former Bakersfield Blaze shortstop Billy Hamilton was named Cal League MVP. He stole 104 bases before being called up to Double A Pensacola after the All-Star break in June. Modesto's Christian Bergman earned the Pitcher of the Year award. Last year's Northwest League Pitcher of the Year leads all of minor league baseball with 15 wins this season. High Desert manager Pedro Grifol was named Manager of the Year. The Mavs won both the first and second half titles and hold the best record in the Cal League.
The JetHawks are in the hunt for the Cal League playoffs. Tickets to all potential 2012 home playoff games are on sale now. For more information please contact the JetHawks box office at (661) 726-5400.