Former Cougar Chris Wallace Promoted In Astros Organization
6/23/2011 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
June 23, 2011
HOUSTON - Former University of Houston catcher Chris Wallace advanced one step closer to the big leagues on June 22, after being promoted to Class AA Corpus Christi, in the Houston Astros Organization.
Wallace got the call to play with the Hooks of the Texas League, just hours after winning the South Atlantic League's BB&T Home Run Derby, and going 1-for-2 with a double in the All-Star game. Wallace and the South Division All-Stars earned a 6-3 win at Arthur W. Perdue Stadium.
"He's got the leadership skills, he's improved his catching skills and obviously, he's swinging the bat well," director of player development Fred Nelson told the Houston Chronicle. "He'll have his hands full, but I think mentally, he'll be able to handle it."
The former Cougar catcher was hitting .285 for the Class A Lexington Legends, and was leading the team with 14 home runs, and 49 RBIs. He also ranked second in the league in home runs and fourth in RBIs. Earlier in the season he had been named the SAL Hitter of the Week and the All-Star game nomination marked the second time he had accomplished that feat (2010 Appalachian League All-Star) since being drafted in 2010.
In four seasons with the Cougars, Wallace was a career .291 hitter and was named to the 2009 All-Conference USA Second Team. Wallace was a 16th round pick by the Astros in the 2010 Major League Baseball draft.
Former Cougar shortstop Blake Kelso, a member of the Hagerstown Suns in the Washington Nationals Organization also competed in the South Atlantic League All-Star Game. Kelso started at third base for the North Division and went 1-for-2 with a run scored. In 68 games this year Kelso has a .330 batting average.
