STOCKTON PORTS
Ports looking to build on strong 2010 finish

Roving instructor Rickey Henderson consults Ports outfielder Jeremy Barfield.

With new manager Webster Garrison at the helm, the Stockton Ports (Single-A affiliates of the Oakland Athletics since 2005) will continue their quest to do what no other California League team has done — win a record-setting 12th California League championship. In their 61st season in the California League, Stockton used a terrific second half to vault from fourth to second place in the North Division of the California League, capturing the second-half championship to secure a playoff berth for the eighth time in 10 seasons. The Ports' success in the second half was highlighted by a 14-game winning streak in August, which featured four consecutive sweeps. Solid play from postseason All-Stars infielder Grant Green and RHP Shawn Haviland played key roles in the second-half success. Haviland finished the season 9-6 with a 3.65 ERA and was second in the league with 169 strikeouts. Green, who made his California League debut at the end of 2009, finished with a .318 average, 20 home runs and 87 RBIs.

The 2010 club featured several Oakland Athletics prospects, including Green, Haviland, catcher Petey Paramore, infielder Stephan Parker, outfielder Jeremy Barfield and many more. Paramore found early success in Stockton and was called up to Double-A Midland at the end of the first half. Parker and Barfield spent the entire season with Stockton, where Barfield's rocket arm helped him garner attention and Parker's consistency at the plate (.296, 21 HRs, 87 RBIs, .392 OBP) helped him earn a spot on the California League postseason All-Star team with Green and Haviland. Ian Krol, who is the Athletics' No. 9 prospect in 2011, according to Baseball America, was promoted to Stockton at the end of the season, and made his professional debut with the Ports on Aug. 21, recording a win against the San Jose Giants.

The Ports also featured several A's farm system leaders on their squad last season. Infielder Michael Spina was second in the organization with 23 home runs, finishing behind heavy hitter and former Port Chris Carter (31). On the pitching side, three of the top five strikeout leaders were out of Stockton. Shawn Haviland led both the A's system and the California League with 169 K's, while Ben Hornbeck finished with 138 strikeouts and Justin Marks ended the season with 136. Krol finished the season first on the top-10 list of pitchers in the system, with a 10-4 record and a 2.80 ERA, while Haviland and Murray finished sixth and seventh respectively.

The Ports continued their success off the field in 2010 with their charitable organization the Anchor Fund. This fund, established in 2007, enables many community projects, with a focus on youth centers and youth sports. In 2010, the fund gave approximately $30,000 and nearly $123,000 of in-kind donations, including almost 15,000 tickets, to local nonprofits, charities and schools. The Ports look forward to the continued success of the Anchor Fund and Anchor Fund events in 2011.

As the 2011 season draws near, the Ports are preparing for another exciting summer of fun and affordable family entertainment. The team will have 13 post-game fireworks shows this season, as well as several first-rate promotions and giveaways, including the much anticipated Dallas Braden "209" Bobble-Belly (July 17), Jeremy Barfield Rocket Arm figurine (July 8), Pink Night (Aug. 26) and Fan Appreciation Night on the final home game of the regular season (Sept. 1).

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