Hodges and Mills Named to AFL's Rising Stars Roster

Phoenix, Arizona — The Arizona Fall League stages its third annual Rising Stars Game at 7:15 p.m. on Friday, October 24 at Surprise Stadium, the spring home of the Kansas City Royals and Texas Rangers. The Rising Stars Game is scheduled for a World Series travel day to fill a void for baseball fans.

Scouting and minor league directors of every major-league organization, in consultation with Fall League Executive Director Steve Cobb and his baseball personnel staff, selected the players for the showcase. Each major-league organization is represented by at least one player. First baseman Beau Mills and third baseman Wes Hodges will represent the Indians.

“The Fall League is proud to field six teams stocked with the top prospects in baseball six days a week for six weeks every year,” Cobb offers. “Friday, we narrow the focus to 50 players who have been selected to participate based upon evaluations of baseball professionals at the team level. We take pride in what the future holds for these young men.”

For many, the future holds the major leagues. Two years ago, the inaugural Rising Stars included shortstops Yunel Escobar (Braves), and Troy Tulowitzki (Rockies), third baseman Kevin Kouzmanoff (Padres), and outfielders Ryan Braun (Brewers), Jacoby Ellsbury (Red Sox), and Hunter Pence (Astros). Last year, the names changed but the destination was the same for shortstop Jed Lowrie (Red Sox), pitcher Charlie Morton (Braves), and outfielder Ryan Sweeney (Athletics). Eighty-three players from the 2006 Arizona Fall League reached the major leagues in 2007. Last year’s Class of 2007 graduated 86 players to the big leagues in 2008.

“The opportunity the Arizona Fall League affords the prospects comprising the Class of 2008 this fall is undeniable,” Cobb adds. “We wish them well and we look forward to following their progress and cheering their successes.”

Following Friday’s “Rising Stars Game,” the six-team Arizona Fall League resumes play the next day, Saturday, October 25 and continues with games Monday-Saturday through Thursday, November 20. The league championship game will be held two days later on Saturday, November 22 at 12:35 p.m. at Scottsdale Stadium.

Posted in: Beau Mills,Wes Hodges