The Angels High-A California League affiliate Inland Empire 66ers just announced that outfielder Kole Calhoun is a California League Post Season All Star.
Calhoun was selected as the utility player for the team which was voted on by coaches and staff from every team in the California League. "It’s definitely an honor," said Calhoun, "It’s something that I think is pretty cool, a goal accomplished and I just have to keep going from here."
Calhoun leads the 66ers in several offensive categories including home runs (22), batting average (.324), and on base percentage (.413) and as of August 30th, he already holds some franchise history marks with the club: he is tied for 7th in hits in a season (157), is 8th in runs in a season (93), and is tied for 9th in RBI in a season (96) in 66ers history.
Amidst all this, Calhoun is still team-first, noting that the 66ers were 15 games below .500 in the first half and started the second half of the Cal League season 0-9, "To come back and now we’re going to the playoffs is pretty awesome," and he noted that news of his All Star berth came after the team clinched their playoff spot. "I think finding out the day after we clinched is better."
Watch our video of Kole chatting before a game in May.
The Inland Empire 66ers have a four game homestand to wrap the 2011 regular season beginning Friday versus the Stockton Ports. Friday’s game will include a pre-game on field ceremony to honor Calhoun on his accomplishment. On Saturday, September 3rd, Inland Empire will host a Heroes Night, featuring a postgame fireworks extravaganza. Tickets are on sale now both at the 66ers box office and online at www.66ers.com. Playoff ticket information is also available at the 66ers box office.