AUBURN - What a difference a month makes.
At one point, in early July, Auburn Doubledays outfielder Ben Zeskind was hitting in the .160s. On Wednesday, Zeskind was one of three Doubledays players named to the New York-Penn League All-Star Game. Pitchers Brett Cecil and Cody Crowell also earned the right to play in the game, which will take place at Dutchess Stadium in Fishkill, home of the Hudson Valley Renegades on August 14.
For the first time in the game's three-year history, Doubledays manager Dennis Holmberg will be representing the American League, due to his squad having the best record of any American League team as of August 4. Hitting coach Justin Mashore, pitching coach Antonio Caceres and trainer Daniel McIntosh will also be representing the Doubledays.
“It's an honor,” Holmberg said. “The last couple of years, we weren't in a position to have the best record in the American League. This coaching staff works hard and they do a good job. It's a privilege and an honor, for us to go.”
Zeskind was chosen for the second straight year, due to a .303 average through Tuesday - the second best on the team. That includes six home runs, beginning in mid-July and a nine-game hitting streak through August 1.
“It's a big honor, it's really nice,” Zeskind said. “It's a testament to the hard work that I've put in. I'm happy that I've been given a chance to play again and that I've been able to capitalize on it. It's cool that Dennis and the coaching staff is going to be there too, it should be a good experience.”
Reliever Crowell is tied for the team lead with five wins in 16 appearances and has struck out 33 in 28.2 innings. Supplementary first-round draft pick Cecil also joins the AL team after notching a 1.64 ERA through nine appearances, including eight starts. In 33 innings, the Maryland alum has struck out 34 batters.
For the first time in the game's three-year history, Doubledays manager Dennis Holmberg will be representing the American League, due to his squad having the best record of any American League team as of August 4. Hitting coach Justin Mashore, pitching coach Antonio Caceres and trainer Daniel McIntosh will also be representing the Doubledays.
“It's an honor,” Holmberg said. “The last couple of years, we weren't in a position to have the best record in the American League. This coaching staff works hard and they do a good job. It's a privilege and an honor, for us to go.”
Zeskind was chosen for the second straight year, due to a .303 average through Tuesday - the second best on the team. That includes six home runs, beginning in mid-July and a nine-game hitting streak through August 1.
“It's a big honor, it's really nice,” Zeskind said. “It's a testament to the hard work that I've put in. I'm happy that I've been given a chance to play again and that I've been able to capitalize on it. It's cool that Dennis and the coaching staff is going to be there too, it should be a good experience.”
Reliever Crowell is tied for the team lead with five wins in 16 appearances and has struck out 33 in 28.2 innings. Supplementary first-round draft pick Cecil also joins the AL team after notching a 1.64 ERA through nine appearances, including eight starts. In 33 innings, the Maryland alum has struck out 34 batters.
The Citizens' Say
There are No comments posted.