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STOCKTON PORTS
Ports Looking to Make History in 2009

By Kristin Pratt

Under the leadership of new manager Aaron Nieckula, the 2009 Stockton Ports (Single-A advanced affiliate of the Oakland Athletics since 2005) will be looking to do what no other California League franchise has ever accomplished: win a 12th league championship.

The Ports captured their 11th franchise crown in 2008, defeating the Lancaster JetHawks, three games to one. The Ports are the only active California League team to win 11 titles, which ties a California League record set by Fresno, a defunct organization.

Along with the highlight of capturing the league championship crown, the Ports had many other tremendous accomplishments in 2008. Chris Carter set a franchise record by smashing 39 home runs last season. He led the league in home runs and was second in all of minor-league baseball in that category as well. For his outstanding performance, Carter was named the California League Rookie of the Year and Oakland A's Organization Player of the Year, while Ports right-handed pitcher Trevor Cahill was named the Organization Pitcher of the Year. Archie Gilbert, who was the only player in the league to hit for the cycle last season, ended the campaign not only as a 2008 league champion, but also as the league postseason MVP.

The Ports also cheered on pitchers Brett Anderson and Cahill as they represented the club and the Athletics at the 2008 Futures Game and the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Carter, Cahill and Anderson were among the nine nonroster invitees to Oakland's spring training camp this spring, and are likely headed for the Show in upcoming seasons. The Ports also set a single-game attendance record on July 3, 2008, by welcoming 6,285 fans to Banner Island Ballpark.

Just as the Ports were a huge success on the field, so the organization was off the field as well. The Ports established its Alumni Club in 2008, hosting the inaugural Alumni Night in April. Former players from all generations, including a representative of the 1941 league-founding club, were on hand at Banner Island Ballpark to celebrate the history and tradition of Ports baseball. The Ports are excited about expanding the Alumni Club in 2009 and celebrating their second annual Alumni Night on April 18.

The Stockton team also had a highly successful year with the Anchor Fund, the charitable fund established by the Ports in 2007. In 2008, the Anchor Fund donated approximately $16,000 and nearly $43,500 of in-kind donations, including 8,600 tickets to local nonprofit organizations, charities and schools. The Ports anticipate continuing the success of the Anchor Fund and Anchor Fund events in 2009.

The team also established a Season Ticket Holder Ticket Donation Program for this season, which enables season-ticket holders and fans to contribute to the Anchor Fund by donating their unused tickets. The Ports will match all ticket donations, and all donated tickets will go to foster agency-related nonprofit organizations in the San Joaquin Valley area. This program will enable underprivileged youth, who would not otherwise be able, to attend Ports games.

As always, the Ports are gearing up for an exciting summer of fun, affordable family entertainment. There will be 11 post-game fireworks shows this season, plus great promotions and giveaways, such as a Ports beanie hat (May 1), a replica of the 2008 championship ring (June 19), a dual bobblehead of Cahill and Anderson (June 20), a Splash piggybank (Aug. 9), and a fan-choice player replica jersey (Sept. 7).

To purchase tickets and book group outings, or for Ports information, please visit www.stocktonports.com or call (209) 644-1900.