Three Fireflies named South Atlantic League All-Stars
June 7, 2016
Conlon, Siena, Thompson selected by coaches and media to represent Columbia
COLUMBIA, SC – Three Fireflies were named to the South Atlantic League Southern Division All-Star team, the league announced on Tuesday. Starter P.J. Conlon, and infielders Vinny Siena and David Thompson will be on display at Whitaker Bank Ballpark in Lexington, Kentucky, for the 57th annual South Atlantic League All-Star Game on June 21.
Conlon was just named South Atlantic League Pitcher of the Week on Monday after his 10-inning outing over the weekend and leads the league in wins (7) and ERA (1.21). Between April 14-May 23, the lefty won a Minor League-best seven straights starts.
Siena and Thompson have been two of the best hitters in the league this season. Siena boasts an on-base percentage of .430 and has drawn 40 walks this year – both second best in the South Atlantic League. The Woodbridge, Connecticut, native is also second in the league in runs scored (43). Not to be forgotten is Siena’s defense. The 22-year-old sports a .977 fielding percentage which is third-best among all second basemen.
While Siena has been the table-setter for the Fireflies this season at the top of the order, Thompson has been the one to clear the dishes. The third baseman leads the league in RBIs (42), is tied for fourth in extra-base hits (23) and fourth in doubles (17). He’s accomplished that even despite missing 11 games because of an injury.
“I am very happy for all of them,” Manager Jose Leger said. “All three have been really consistent. Conlon has been impressive every outing and he’s totally dominating the league. Siena has showed his discipline at the top of the lineup for us and I’m happy for Thompson, too. He missed more than a week with an injury that slowed him down and he’s still leading the league in RBIs. I’m proud of all the guys”
The Mets drafted Conlon in the 13th round of the 2015 MLB First-Year Player Draft. The product of Placentia, California, took a no-hitter into the seventh frame during his 10-inning start on June 4.
Siena was also selected as a New York-Penn League All-Star last season after the Mets took the former University of Connecticut star in the 14th round of the MLB First-Year Player Draft.
Thompson was also one of New York’s top draft picks a year ago, chosen in the fourth round out of the University of Miami. The 22-year-old’s 11-game hit streak to begin the year for Columbia is still the longest for any Fireflies hitter this season.
Columbia is on the road Tuesday for a doubleheader against the Augusta GreenJackets at Lake Olmstead Stadium starting at 5:05 p.m. The Fireflies return to Spirit Communications Park on Thursday at 7:05 p.m.when they host the West Virginia Power for “Purple Game, Purple Game,” a tribute to the Grammy-award winning artist, Prince.
