P-Rays News and Notes-September 24

*There were several changes to the Princeton franchise's all-time record book as a result of this year's performances by the P-Rays' squad. Pitcher Chris Andujar now stands third in franchise history in career "starts" with 24 while fellow pitcher Tyree Hayes is now tied for second in franchise history in career victories with seven. Michael Ross' big year on the basepaths with 36 stolen bases rocketed him to fourth place in career stolen bases for the Princeton franchise. The 2007 pitching staff also set two new single-season records in our record book: least runs (303) allowed by a Princeton staff in a single season along with most shutouts (6) in a single season. The complete Princeton franchise record book is listed on the team's website at www.princetondevilrays.com.

*2007 P-Rays' manager Jamie Nelson has now climbed to 13th place in Appalachian League history (since the league went to a short season format in 1957) in career managerial victories with 141 wins. He started the 2007 campaign in 21st place and climbed through the standings steadily throughout the season.

*Several P-Rays appeared among the leaders in the Appy League in several categories at the conclusion of the 2007 season. Michael Ross swiped 36 bases to lead the league while being the second consecutive P-Ray to wear the circuit's stolen base crown, following Desmond Jennings league-leading 32 "bags" in 2006. Another P-Ray, outfielder Justin Reynolds, finished sixth in the league with 16 stolen bases. Ross, a second baseman, also appeared among the league leaders in triples, tying for third place with five three-baggers. On the pitching side of things, Jeremy Hall finished second in the league in earned run average with a 1.56 mark. The Princeton mound starters were indeed workhorses as Hall, Tyree Hayes, and Frank Delossantos finished first, third, and fourth respectively in the league in innings pitched.

*Add the names of two former P-Rays to those whom have played in a regular season major league baseball game to our growing list of Princeton's major league alumni. Pitchers Jeff Ridgway (2000) and Chris Seddon (2001)both made their major league debuts in September, 2007 for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays and Florida Marlins respectively. This now brings the number to 44 of former Princeton players in our franchise's 20-year history to go on and compete in a regular season major league baseball.

*The results are in on the most recent poll question that appeared on the opening page of the P-Rays' website all summer long. To review, the poll question was, "Other than Princeton, what farm team in the Tampa Bay farm system do you most follow?" The final figures to that question are as follows: Durham Bulls 38 percent, Hudson Valley Renegades 20 percent, Montgomery Biscuits 18 percent, Columbus Catfish 14 percent, and Vero Beach Devil Rays 10 percent. In case you have not looked lately, there is now a new poll question on the opening page of the P-Rays' website at www.princetondevilrays.com. Take the time to look at and vote on this very important poll question currently appearing on the team's website.

*2007 P-Ray pitcher Joey Dettrich underwent "Tommy John Surgery" in St. Petersburg, FL on September 17 and most likely is expected to be lost to baseball competition for the entire 2008 season.

*The Princeton Devil Rays' mascot, "Roscoe, The Rrinceton Ray Rooster," was an invited guest to a birthday party for Virginia Tech's Hokiebird mascot just prior to VT's September 15 football game in Blacksburg, VA versus Ohio University.