STOCKTON PORTS
Stockton Ports prepare after a solid 2011 season

A. J. Griffin takes the mound for the Ports during the 2011 season.

With a solid trio of coaches making their way back to the "209 and a 2011 California Northern Division championship title in the books, the Stockton Ports (Single-A Advanced affiliate of the Oakland Athletics) have a lot to look forward to during the 2012 season. Manager Webster "Webby Garrison, hitting coach Brian McArn and pitching coach Craig Lefferts all return for a second season together in Stockton.

During the 2011 season, the Ports experienced a 17-game win streak, hosted 14 spectacular fireworks nights and honored special guests at the ballpark, including former Oakland A's Dave Stewart and Dave Kingman. The Ports also honored current A's pitcher and Stockton native Dallas Braden with his very own 209 "bobble-belly giveaway, crowned Promo of the Year by Minor League Baseball in October.

The Ports ended the first half of the season in second place with a 38-32 record and fell to third place (37-33) during the second half. After clinching a playoff berth, the Ports fell two games short to the Lake Elsinore Storm (Padres), who claimed the championship title on the Ports' turf in September.

A's top prospect Michael Choice had everyone talking with a Cal League high in home runs (30) for the season, to go with a .285 average. Outfielder Myrio Richard contributed with a .292 average and 57 RBIs.

Ports pitcher Dan Straily became a crowd favorite after spending the previous season with Single-A Kane County of the Midwest League. He ended the year in Stockton with a 3.87 ERA and 154 strikeouts. He was also voted Facebook Fan Favorite and was honored with a "Straily branded T-shirt giveaway in May.

Murphy Smith finished his second season with the Ports with 100 strikeouts and a 3.94 ERA. Pitchers A.J. Griffin and Rob Gilliam (since traded) also made their mark in Stockton.

Looking ahead, the Ports can expect a few new faces to come through the ranks at Banner Island Ballpark in 2012. With Choice, Smith, Straily and a handful of other prospects likely moving up to Double-A (Midland, Texas), a new crew of A's talent will call Stockton home this summer. Max Stassi, a top prospect who sat out most of 2011 with an injury, could likely make it back on the Ports roster this season.

For the 2012 season the Ports have started to put new ideas into place. The Ports charitable Anchor Fund will debut several new fundraising events, including Pancakes with the Ports April 14. Fans will get to meet the entire 2012 Ports team while enjoying a pancake breakfast provided by Martha's All Natural. All money raised will go to charity, focusing on youth centers and youth sports.

The Ports' promotional schedule has some unique offerings. Aside from the popular fireworks shows, Ports fans can look forward to a Tin Lunch Box Giveaway (May 4), Johnny Cash Night (May 5), Eric Byrnes appearance (May 11), Alumni Night (May 12), Michael Choice Bobblehead Giveaway (May 26), Root Beer Float Day (June 3), Presidential Seat Cushion Giveaway (June 15), Jose Canseco appearance (June 16), Jemile Weeks Bobblehead Giveaway (July 20) and Pink Night (Aug. 17), to name a few.

For more information about purchasing Ports tickets, contact 209-644-1900 or go to www.stocktonports.com. You can also follow the Ports on Twitter (@stocktonports) and "like them on Facebook.