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FRESNO GRIZZLIES
Grizzlies Build On 2008 Success On and Off Field

2008 was an inconsistent season on the field and an award-winning year off the field for the Fresno Grizzlies, Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants.

The 2008 campaign, Fresno's first with a new orange-and-black color scheme, was an unqualified success for the fans, as the Grizzlies increased their attendance for the third consecutive season. The year saw three of the largest crowds in franchise history for a March exhibition contest against San Francisco, Opening Day, and the annual Fourth of July contest. 2009 promises to be the best summer of baseball yet in the Central Valley.

Manager Dan Rohn is at the helm of the Giants' top farm club for the third consecutive season. The two-time Pacific Coast League Manager of the Year led the Grizzlies to the second-best record in franchise history in 2007, and will be joined by two newcomers. In his last two seasons, pitching coach Pat Rice has led Augusta and San Jose to two of the lowest team ERAs in minor-league baseball. Hitting coach Hensley Meulens comes to the Giants organization after four seasons with Triple-A Indianapolis.

The trio will take charge of the top rung of a rapidly improving Giants farm system. Strong scouting, drafting and player development has restocked the pipeline which delivered a record number of rookies to China Basin in 2008. Key contributors like Alex Hinshaw, Travis Ishikawa, Nate Schierholtz and Emmanuel Burriss all went from Fresno to make immediate contributions in the big leagues.

With greater roster stability in the major leagues than in 2008, the Grizzlies lineup figures to have a more consistent look throughout the 2009 season. The heart of the order will feature Scott McClain, the minors' active career home run leader, and Josh Phelps, who hit 31 home runs in the Pacific Coast League with Memphis in '08. Giants free agent signee Jesus Guzman brings a third power bat to the middle of the lineup, while 2008 PCL stolen-bases leader Andres Torres will catalyze the group from the top spot.

On the mound, a weakness for Fresno in 2008, the Grizzlies figure to have a newcomer anchor the rotation. Kevin Pucetas has led his league in ERA in each of the last two seasons, and will challenge for a spot in the Giants rotation if he performs early. Returning arms Nick Pereira, Ryan Sadowski and Steve Hammond will look to improve in their second shot at Triple-A.

Off the field, the Grizzlies had a mammoth season that solidified a reputation as one of the most creative organizations in the game. MILB.com, the official site of Minor League Baseball, honored the team with the Promotion of the Year award for the "Mascot Showdown" pitting hometown hero Parker against the famed Phillie Phanatic. "Totally Rad '80s Night Featuring Billy Zabka" was named the best promotion in the country by another national publication, while an industry publication cited the Grizzlies for the best game entertainment in all of professional sports.

2009 promises even more affordable fun and family-friendly entertainment in the Central Valley. The '09 promotional calendar is loaded with fireworks every Friday, a premium giveaway every Saturday and the most comprehensive theme nights in the country. Giants legends Willie Mays (June 7) and J.T. Snow (Aug. 9) will visit Chukchansi Park during the season, and Mad Tight '90s Night Featuring Dennis "Mr. Belding" Haskins (May 14) will take things to the next level. Midweek promotions like Monday Madness, Way Back Wednesday and Thirsty Thursday deliver value every day.

For information on Grizzlies baseball, Parker, the Drag Kings, tickets, promotions or even directions, visit the new www.FresnoGrizzlies.com or check out Facebook and Twitter.