California League well-represented at 2016 Futures Game
The MLB All-Star Futures Game is an annual tradition that highlights the game's top talent before they reach the Major Leagues. Players are split into two teams - U.S. and World - and play at that season's All-Star Game venue in the lead-up to the All-Star Game itself.
While 2016 marks the 87th Midsummer Classic between the big league stars, the Futures Game got its start in 1999, when the World team blanked the U.S. 7-0 at Fenway Park. In 17 all-time meetings, however, the U.S. team is 11-6 and has won the last six match-ups.
A number of familiar faces - including one former Storm and multiple California League alums - will take part in this year's contest, suiting up at Petco Park in San Diego on Sunday, July 10. For some, it will be a chance to confirm the hype. For others, it will be an opportunity to break out on a national stage. For all, it will be one of the highest honors they have yet to receive.
Former Storm
Hunter Renfroe - San Diego Padres
A first round pick by the Padres in 2013, Hunter Renfroe has been at the top of the organization's prospect list since signing out of Mississippi State. He wore the Storm Eyes one season later, mashing 16 home runs and driving in 52 runs through just 69 games in the California League before his promotion to Double-A San Antonio in the second half. He also represented the Storm at the California/Carolina League All-Star Game that season. He spent much of 2015 at Double-A but batted .333 in 21 contests with Triple-A El Paso before season's end.
The Crystal Springs, Mississippi native has had his best season yet in 2016. He posted a .332 batting average in 82 Pacific Coast League games with 20 home runs (one shy of tying a career-high in one season), 24 doubles and four triples to go with 73 RBI. For context: he had a total of 78 RBI in 2015 and 75 in 2014 in 133 and 129 games, respectively.
Other California Leaguers
US TEAM
Anthony Banda - Arizona Diamondbacks (Visalia)
Phil Bickford - San Francisco Giants (San Jose)
Josh Hader - Milwaukee Brewers (Lancaster)
Joe Musgrove - Houston Astros (Lancaster)
Nate Smith - Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (Inland Empire)
Alex Bregman - Houston Astros (Lancaster)
Willie Calhoun - Los Angeles Dodgers (Rancho Cucamonga)
Travis Demeritte - Texas Rangers (High Desert)
Ryon Healy - Oakland Athletics (Stockton)
David Dahl - Colorado Rockies (Modesto)
WORLD TEAM
Jharel Cotton - Los Angeles Dodgers (Rancho Cucamonga)
Adalberto Mejia - San Francisco Giants (San Jose)
Ronald Guzman - Texas Rangers (High Desert)
Tyler O'Neill - Seattle Mariners (Bakersfield)