Former Bee Jay Goes Big Fly Twice in ALDS Game One

Several former Liberal Bee Jays are taking center stage in this year’s MLB playoffs. Tampa Bay catcher and 1999 Liberal Bee Jay Kelly Shoppach slugged two homers and drove in five runs in the Rays’ 9-0 win at Texas Friday in game one of the ALDS. He is the first catcher since Johnny Bench to accomplish that feat. Shoppach hit 11 homers during the regular season.

Shoppach helped beat former Bee Jay Ian Kinsler’s team. Kinsler played for the Bee Jays in 2001. He was a 30/30 guy this year with 32 homers and 30 stolen bases to go aloing with 77 RBI’s.

Hunter Pence played for the Bee Jays in 2003. He hit .324 with 11 homers and 35 RBI’s in a short time for the Philadelphia Phillies after beginning the season with the Houston Astros.