66er Named Angels Minor League Player of the Year

San Bernardino, CA- Inland Empire 66ers outfielder Kole Calhoun is the Angels Minor League Player of the Year for 2011. Calhoun joins a distinguished list of winners of the Kenny Myers Memorial Award, including current Angels Peter Bourjos, Howard Kendrick, and Mark Trumbo.

Kole Calhoun hit .324 (166/512) with 94 runs scored, 36 doubles, six triples, 22 home runs, 99 RBI and 20 stolen bases in 133 games in 2011, all for the Inland Empire 66ers. Among California League leaders, Calhoun ranked third in total bases (280), fourth in hits, fifth in RBI, sixth in batting average and tied for sixth in home runs. His OPS of .957 ranked third in the circuit. He was named a California League post-season All-Star for his efforts.

Calhoun was not available for comment as he is currently playing winter ball in Venezuela. The second year professional out of Arizona State had to earn his way on to the Angels High-A affiliate roster in spring training, but quickly established himself as a team and league leader, eventually guiding Inland Empire to its first playoff berth since 2008.

The Kenny Myers Memorial Award is given each year to the minor league player judged best in the Angels organization. Myers, who joined the angels in 1969 as a scout and minor league hitting instructor, died in July 1972. In addition to the current Angels previously mentioned, past winners include all time greats like Dick Schofield (1982 award winner and 66ers Hitting Coach in 2011), Wally Joyner (1984) and Tim Salmon (1992).

The Inland Empire 66ers home opener for their second season as the High-A affiliate of Angels baseball is Thursday April 12th, 2012 against the High Desert Mavericks. Season tickets and min-plans are on sale now. Go to 66ers.com for more information or you can contact a sales representative at 909-888-9922. For more information on the Inland Empire 66ers please contact Sam Farber, Director of Broadcasting, at 909-495-7632.