York’s Chris Ashby Breaks AL Hit Streak Record

By Atlantic League Independent Wire Services on August 14, 2008

YORK, PA – With a first inning single on Wednesday, August 13 against the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, York Revolution first baseman Chris Ashby became the Atlantic League record holder with a 28-game hit streak. He accomplished the feat before a home crowd of 3,938 at Sovereign Bank Stadium.

With two out and no runners on, Ashby sent the first offering from Blue Crabs starter Brad Whitworth back up the middle on the ground. On the evening, Ashby was 2 for 4 with two singles, as the Revolution came from behind for a thrilling 6-5 victory, scoring twice in the bottom of the ninth on RBI hits from Shea Hillenbrand and Luis Taveras.

Ashby breaks a record that was previously shared by three players. Billy Hall set the record during the 2005 season when he hit in 27 consecutive games for the Somerset Patriots. The feat was then duplicated in 2006 by Victor Rodriguez of the Newark Bears. Joe Jiannetti of the Atlantic City Surf (now of the Can-Am League) hit safely in the final 24 games of the 2006 season, and continued his streak to 27 by hitting safely in the first three games of the 2007 season with Newark. Jiannetti would end last season as a member of the York Revolution.

Ashby, a 33-year-old right handed power hitter from Boynton Beach, Florida is hitting .466 (54-116) since the streak began on July 12, stroking five home runs, 13 doubles and a triple, while driving in 27 runs during that span. On the season, Ashby is batting .378 with 13 home runs and 54 RBI, in 70 games after signing with the Revolution on May 28. In his 16th season of professional baseball, Ashby joined York after spending the previous four seasons with the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes of the Pacific Coast League, an affiliate of the Florida Marlins. He has also spent time in the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Texas Rangers and Chicago White Sox organizations. A highly versatile fielder, Ashby splits time between first base and outfield for York.

“This is quite an honor for Chris,” said York Revolution General Manager Matt O’Brien. “He has just been exceptional this year, and a huge reason we find ourselves in first place in the second half. It couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.”

Ashby breaks the record just seven days after he was named Atlantic League Player of the Month for July by the league office.

The York Revolution Professional Baseball Club is a member of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Home games are played at Sovereign Bank Stadium, located at 5 Brooks Robinson Way, York, PA 17401. For more information, please call 717-801-HITS (4487), or visit the Revolution online at www.YorkRevolution.com.

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