Greensboro, N.C. - Grasshoppers outfielder, Mike Stanton, has earned a coveted spot on the ballot as the Hitter of the Year for 2008’s “This Year in Minor League Baseball Awards.”  For the first time ever, fans have a voice in deciding this year’s winner.  Cast a vote for Stanton here.  Voting ends November 21, 2008.  

Stanton put up impressive numbers in his first full season in professional baseball.  The power hitter garnered attention throughout baseball with his second place finish amongst all minor leaguers with 39 homeruns.  He hit .293 for the Hoppers and topped the batting chart in the South Atlantic League in total bases (286), slugging (.611), and was third with 97 RBIs.  

The California native’s growing list of awards includes earning the MiLBY Award for Best Class-A player, being named a Baseball America High Class A All-Star and Baseball America Minor League All-Star.  His South Atlantic League recognition includes a nod to the Post-Season All-Star team and two-time Player of the Week. 

The Grasshoppers have welcomed over 1,715,000 fans to NewBridge Bank Park, drawing over 400,000 fans in each of its first four years at the new downtown ballpark.  The team is the proud recipient of both the South Atlantic League’s Club Merit Award and the General Manager of the Year Award for the past four years.

Season tickets and advertising packages are now on sale for the 2009 season.  For more information, please contact the Grasshoppers office at 336.268.BALL or visit www.gsohoppers.com.