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As 48 of the Eastern League's finest gather at Hadlock Field in Portland, Maine for the 2015 Eastern League All-Star Classic, the Erie SeaWolves can take pride in knowing that three of the players on hand will be carrying the Erie name. Left-handed pitcher Josh Turley, designated hitter Dean Green and outfielder Wynton Bernard received the official nod as additions to the Western Division roster, and each rightfully so.
"I'm just glad to see the hard work payoff for my teammates and myself," Green said. "Josh and Wynton are both class acts and are very well deserving. I'm blessed that I get to share this experience with them."
Although a 31-48 record has the SeaWolves sitting in last place, the performance of several key players is proving that you can't necessarily judge a book by its cover.
Turley, an under-the-radar prospect with a deceptively low-key personality off the field, has gained some well-deserved recognition for his work with the SeaWolves. With a 2.75 ERA and a 8-5 record, Turley is currently leading the Seawolves in wins, tying his eight-win season with Single-A West Michigan in 2013. Through 91 2/3 innings of work, Turley has struck out 62 and walked 24, while allowing 28 earned runs.
If you were to tell me that the phrase, "Speak softly and carry a big stick" was written in reference to Dean Green, I can't say I wouldn't believe you. Listed at 6'4" and 255 pounds, The Tigers 2011 11th round selection is big, no question. Despite a recent nagging ankle injury, Green is hitting .302/.386/.468 with nine home runs, a team-high. He also has 40 RBI, almost double the next-best total for the SeaWolves this season.
In Wynton's journey, the All-Star selection is one more piece to a puzzle that has found a way to defy the odds on a daily basis. For the Niagara University alum, it's one more opportunity to move forward in an opportunity he came very close to losing.
"It's an honor to be recognized," Bernard said. "I'm so glad my hard work is paying off and thankful I have a strong support system of family friends and coaches to help me each step of the way."
In his first season with the Tigers' Double-A affiliate, Bernard has had no trouble transitioning from last season in Single-A West Michigan. The upbeat outfielder is hitting .297/.338/.389 and posting numbers that are enough to make anyone question when his next promotion will take place. Bernard is not only leading the Seawolves in runs (30), hits (88), doubles (19) and stolen bases (20), his stolen base and hit totals rank in the top three for the Eastern League overall.
The All-Star Classic is scheduled to kick off July 15 at 7:00 p.m. ET and can be viewed on MiLB.TV.