News

Date: Jan 11, 2012

Fireworks, Promotions Highlight AWL Schedule

(Yuma, AZ. Jan. 11, 2012) The Arizona Winter League is gearing up to be bigger and better than ever as the premier winter instructional league in North America begins it's sixth season in Yuma, Arizona at the end of this month.  With ten teams and an estimated 200 pro players from over 40 states and 11 countries, the league is estimating that over half of the 2012 AWL players will leave with new pro contracts.  In addition, a record number of major league organizations, foreign teams, and independent league teams are sending scouts and instructors to work with the players and identify prospects.

"It's going to be an exciting month to be a baseball fan in Yuma this February," said Arizona Winter League Commissioner Kevin Outcalt. "The caliber of player and impressive managers will make for another exciting pennant race and the access for fans is even more intimate than spring training sites in Phoenix."

Major Leaguers who will be passing on their knowledge to the players and rubbing elbows with fans include MLB All-Stars Garry Templeton (Padres) and Mike Marshall (Dodgers), Major League players Les Lancaster (Cubs), John Harris (Angels), Morgan Burkhart (Red Sox), and Major league organization scouts and instructors such as Nick Belmonte (Red Sox), Chris Paterson (Tampa Bay), and Manabu Kuramochi (Nippon Professional Baseball).

"Each year about 10 of these players get signed by major league teams," said Outcalt.  "It will be interesting to see who stands out this year and if anyone can match the 2007 AWL that sent two players - Sergio Romo (Giants) and Scott Richmond (Blue Jays) to the major leagues - or the 2010 AWL that had 14 players sign with big league teams." 

Opening night at Desert Sun Stadium is February 3rd and a special night on the schedule is February 25th with Fireworks, sponsored by the Cocopah Casino and Budweiser, and is also a Yuma Community Fundraising Night.  In addition there are plenty of promotional days including the Let's Fly Yuma Cash Drop, Paul Bensel Diamond Dig, and more giveaways to contribute to the local economy and have fun.  Although the Yuma team is usually strong, it seems that the Canadian teams spurred on by the passionate Canadian Winter Visitors always seem to be taking home the Arizona Silver Rings that go to the victors.  During the week, doubleheaders will be played on the main field and on the back field and fans have full access to roam the Ray Kroc Complex, that was the former spring training home to the San Diego Padres, to interact with players and managers, to collect autographs and to just enjoy a day in the 80 degree Yuma winter.  The Major League Scout Day on February 21st will be open to the public for the first time and is anticipated to be attended by most big league teams that don't already have representatives at the AWL.

A special month-long season pass is available this year for just $20 - or just $30 with free hot dog and beverage every day!  For those who can't make it out to the ballpark, all games will be broadcast over internet radio and gametracker and statistics will be available at pointstreak.com.

For more information on tickets, fundraising, or other items call the Arizona Winter League at 928-257-4700

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