All-Time Banner Island Designated Hitter: Chris Carter
Vernon Christopher Carter, better known as "Chris," may go down as Banner Island's all-time favorite player. The 6 foot 4 inch righty slugger from Redwood City, CA certainly did not disappoint during his minor league tenure, especially during his magical 2008 season in Stockton.
Carter attended Sierra Vista High School in Las Vegas and was originally drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 15th round of the 2005 Major League Baseball Draft. Before coming to the Athletics organization, Carter played two seasons in Chicago's farm system before he was eventually traded to the Diamondbacks during the off season of 2007. The deal was a part of a package trade for two-time All-Star Carlos Quentin. Just two weeks later, Carter was again traded, this time to the Oakland A's where he was assigned to play in Stockton.
It was during the 2008 season with the Ports, that Carter had a remarkable year. By season's end, Carter finished with a .259 batting average, 39 home runs, and 104 RBI which included breaking the Ports all-time single season home run record of 32. Carter's leadership helped propel the Ports that season to their 11th California League Championship. To cap off the magical run, Carter was also named the California League Rookie of the Year.
After 2008, Carter spent parts of the next season in Double-A Midland and Triple-A Sacramento before making short stints in Major League Baseball with the Athletics in both 2010 and 2011. By 2012 Carter was contributing to a successful Oakland A's ball club that captured the AL West title.
In 2013, Carter was traded to the Houston Astros. In the two seasons since joining Houston, Carter has continued to showcase his raw power by slugging a combined 66 home runs and 170 RBI, something Ports fans can recall easily during his days at Banner Island Ballpark as one of the California League's most feared hitters.