Asheville Tourists announce opening day roster: Dahl, White return

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Here’s the press release from the Asheville Tourists. Click over to see the full roster:

The Asheville Tourists Opening Day Roster has officially been set. The roster consists of 25 players who will all be wearing the Tourists uniforms on Thursday, April 3 when McCormick Field opens its gates for the 90th season.

Headlining the roster are four players who were selected in the first two rounds of either the 2012 or 2013 draft. David Dahl is the lone first round draft pick and he is set to return to the Blue Ridge for his second stint with the Tourists. Dahl’s first campaign was shortened due to a leg injury, and the outfielder was limited to just ten games in 2013; only two of which came at McCormick Field. In 2012, Dahl was named the Pioneer League Player of the Year when he batted .379, hit nine Home Runs, and had 57 RBI through 67 games. Also returning to the Tourists outfield for a second season is 2012 second round draft pick Max White. The lefty batted .226, hit 16 doubles, and clubbed three Home Runs in 72 games with Asheville last season. Additionally, two second round draft picks from the 2013 draft will make Asheville debut this season; Pitcher Alex Balog and Infielder Ryan McMahon. Both played for Grand Junction last season. Balog made seven starts while McMahon batted .321 with 11 Home Runs and 52 RBI.

This year’s Tourists team is made up of players from all across the United States; along with players from the Dominican Republic and Venezuela. The make-up of the roster has 13 Pitchers, six Infielders, four Outfielders, and two Catchers.

Along with Dahl and White, four additional members of last season’s Tourists team are set to take on a leadership role with this year’s group. Those players are Catcher Jose Briceno, Middle Infielder Zach Osborne, and Pitchers Matt Carasiti and Trent Blank.

“The Rockies have put together a remarkable collection of individuals headed to Asheville this season,” said Tourists President Brian DeWine. “We are delighted to welcome these young men to the Asheville community

Second year Tourists Manager Fred Ocasio and his staff have a talented group to work with and are eager to compete for a South Atlantic League Championship.

The Tourists open the 2014 season on April 3 at McCormick Field when the Delmarva Shorebirds come to town for their only visit to the Blue Ridge. Single game tickets are currently available at the McCormick Field box office. For more information, contact the Tourists’ front office at (828) 258-0428.