Massey, Werner Voted 2017 All-Stars

From the Southern Illinois Miners

MARION, IL – The Southern Illinois Miners are proud to announce that shortstop Craig Massey and closer John Werner have been voted as Frontier League All-Stars, and will represent the team at the 2017 Frontier League All-Star Game on July 14th at Slammers Stadium in Joliet.

For the Bells, Tennessee-native Massey, this year’s selection represents the third midseason all-star appearance in three years in the Frontier League, having previously been an all-star in 2015 with the Schaumburg Boomers and last season as a starter in the outfield with the Miners. The veteran shortstop is currently leading the Miners with a .310 batting average along with one home run, 18 RBIs, six doubles, three triples and 52 total hits through 44 games. He also owns the top on-base percentage on the team, at .405 with 27 walks against only 24 strikeouts. He has played in every game but one for the Miners while batting leadoff in nearly every game played as well.

Originally from Anaheim, California, Werner makes his first Frontier League all-star appearance in his first season with the Miners. Coming to Southern Illinois from the Texas Rangers organization, the right-hander is a perfect nine-for-nine in save opportunities out of the bullpen, with a 2-0 record and a 2.49 ERA. He has struck out 28 batters in 21 2/3 innings while walking only four and allowing just 14 hits for an opposing batting average of .182, tops on the Miners’ pitching staff.

“It’s a great recognition for Craig and John, and an acknowledgement for how hard they worked and how they have performed this season,” Miners manager Mike Pinto said. “Our staff is proud and happy for them both.”

The Southern Illinois Miners are the 2016 Frontier League West Division Champions, the 2014 and 2015 Frontier League East Division Champions and the 2012 Frontier League Champions. They have been awarded the Frontier League Organization of the Year award three times since their inception, and also set a new Frontier League attendance record in 2007, their inaugural season. For ticket information, contact the Rent One Park box office at (618) 998-8499. For any additional information, visit our website at www.southernillinoisminers.com.