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MLB

Visalia Oaks Boast Presence in NLCS

Seven Former Oaks Playing Key Roles for Rockies, D'backs
By
October 10, 2007

The Visalia Oaks are well-represented in the National League Championship Series, with seven players on the combined playoff rosters of the Colorado Rockies and Arizona Diamondbacks. For Oaks fans, it might be like watching your children grow up.

The Colorado Rockies, the National League Wild Card team and winners of 17 of their last 18 games will feature five former Visalia Oaks. Three Rockies pitchers spent time in Visalia, and you may have heard of their ace: a gentleman by the name of Jeff Francis (2003 Oaks). Number two starter Ubaldo Jimenez (2003-04 Oaks) and long relief man Ryan Speier (2003 Oaks) are the other two ex-Oak hurlers on Colorado's staff. A pair of Rockies outfielders once patrolled Recreation Park as members of the Visalia Oaks: Ryan Spilborghs (2004 Oaks) and Jeff Baker (2004 Oaks). Baker, in addition to bringing pride to Oaks fans, picked up the series-clinching RBI single in the Rockies game-three win over Philadelphia.

Justin Upton (2007 Oaks) continues his surge to stardom with the Oaks parent club, the Arizona Diamondbacks. In his first two playoff games, Upton is batting .600 (3-for-5), has walked 3 times, scored twice and driven in a run. Upton, USA Today's Minor League Player of the Year, began the 2007 season with the Visalia Oaks. Surprisingly, Justin is not the only Diamondback that has spent time in Visalia. Jeff Salazar (2003-04 Oaks) passed through the Central Valley as a member of the Rockies system before being claimed by the Diamondbacks, and Eric Byrnes (1998 Oaks) was an Oak when Visalia was an A's affiliate.

The Oaks, meanwhile, continue to prepare for renovations at the park and an exciting 2008 season. Season Tickets are available, as are the coveted 2008 Mini Plans. Group reservations are being taken as well, so call now to book your night of fun!

How to order Oaks Season Tickets and Mini Plans for 2008: Contact anyone in the Oaks front office at (559) 625-0480 or for more information on all Oaks opportunities for 2008, check the Oaks out on the web at Oaksbaseball.com.