Page 15 - Pork Illustrated

IRONPIGS ALL-STARS

“Honestly it could have been nerves or could have game to the next level, was rewarded with a starting
been the three red bulls I drank before I went out and spot in the All-Star Game as the IL’s top vote-getting
pitched,” Irvin joked. “I’m not totally sure.” position player.

Irvin, who was a Florida State League All-Star in “I was really excited, I never expected for this
2017 says that the Triple-A All-Star game was a season to go the way it has and I am so happy and
completely different experience. grateful for the people who voted for me.”

“You really get a chance to enjoy your time with He went 2-for-3 in the contest and was one of just
guys that you played against all year,” he said. three IL players to record multi-hit games.
“There was so much inclusion this year. You get to
know the guy off the field.” It was a whirlwind three days for the players
selected to go to Columbus. For Meneses, it was
Meneses had never hit more than nine home runs in taking in all the scenes and the whole experience.
the season prior to his time in the Lehigh Valley. This
year, however, Meneses entered the All-Star Break “You play hard but you are also there to have so
with 15 home runs in his first Triple-A season. much fun,” he said. “It was all so great.”

That first-half showing netted him a spot in the For Irvin, he got a chance to have a little fun off the
Triple-A Home Run Derby. field, noting the chance to pet a penguin and feed a
giraffe at the Columbus Zoo as highlights.
“It was great, I never expected to be here,” he said.
“The No. 1 thing was to not be the guy who didn’t
hit any home runs.”

He avoided that fate by hitting a competition-high
10 home runs in the opening round. Meneses knew
that the ballpark was going to fit his swing well so
he didn’t make any adjustments. He was just doing
everything he could to make solid contact.

Meneses, who has worked all season to take his

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2018 PORK ILLUSTRATED, VOL. 52 PRINTED BY NACCI PRINTING, INC.