Velazquez is 2011 Topps Triple-A All-Star

Minor League Baseball announced today that Salt Lake Bees infielder Gil Velazquez has been named one of 10 players selected to the 2011 Topps Triple-A All-Star Team. The best performances in all MiLB classifications are again being honored by the Topps Company of New York, N.Y.

Velazquez, a 32-year-old native of Los Angeles, paced classification shortstops with a team-high .328 average and 78 runs. He had eight homers, 25 doubles, 17 stolen bases and 58 RBI in 123 games with the Bees. After going hitless in his first game, Velazquez put together an 18-game hit streak. He also had hit streaks stretching nine and 11 games.

Named a 2011 Triple-A All-Star, Velazquez was signed by the Angels as a free agent in December 2010. Recalled by the Angels on September 6, 2011, he appeared in four games for the Angels, hitting .500 with one RBI. He was originally selected by the New York Mets in the 14th round of the 1998 draft.

Velazquez is joined on the Topps Triple-A All-Stars by Bryan LaHair (Iowa/Chicago Cubs), Johnny Giavotella (Omaha/Kansas City Royals), Russ Canzler (Durham/Tampa Bay Rays), Devin Mesoraco (Louisville/Cincinnati Reds), Collin Cowgill (Reno/Arizona Diamondbacks), Alejandro De Aza (Charlotte/Chicago White Sox), Julio Teheran (Gwinnett/Atlanta Braves) and Jai Miller (Sacramento/Oakland Athletics).

The 2012 Bees schedule is currently available online at slbees.com. Season tickets, starting as low as $8 a game, are available now. Beginning November 14, fans can also purchase holiday packs for only $50, which include six Bees ticket vouchers and two Megaplex Theatres tickets, by calling (801) 325-BASE or by visiting slbees.com.