Lancaster Will Host All-Stars

The Lancaster JetHawks will host the 2001 California/Carolina League All-Star baseball game on June 19 at The Hangar, the California League announced Thursday.

The Class-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners hosted a 1998 All-Star game that featured only California League players. The California and Carolina leagues’ series began in 1996.

Carolina defeated California, 5-4, in Kinston, N.C., on June 20 to take a 2-1-1 lead in the series. The 1996 game was ruled a draw when both teams ran out of pitching after 10 innings.

“We have always prided ourselves in running a first-class operation and we will plan and operate this event in the same fashion,” said Kevin Younkin, JetHawk general manager.

All-star activities will include a golf tournament open to the public the day before the game, a luncheon with guest speakers, an autograph session and a skills competition that will include a home-run derby on game day.

“We plan to give the all-stars a true taste of the Antelope Valley,” said Matt Ellis, JetHawk vice president and chief operating officer. “We want to use this national stage to showcase Lancaster and the Antelope Valley for the great community it is.”

Among the players to appear in the California/Carolina League games are former JetHawks Jose Cruz Jr. and Ken Cloude, Atlanta Brave outfielder Andruw Jones and Cleveland Indian pitcher Jared Wright.

“The California League and Carolina League are the two premier Class-A leagues in minor league baseball,” said Joe Gagliardi, Cal League president. “The parity between the two leagues is shown by the great games during this all-star series. The 2001 game should be just as entertaining.”