LINCOLN — Saltdogs catcher Chris McMurray was named to Baseball America’s 2012 Independent All-Star team after hitting 18 home runs and leading the league in slugging.
McMurray was acquired by the Saltdogs in a second-half trade with Grand Prairie and belted six home runs in 17 games in a Lincoln uniform. The Mission Viejo, Calif. native was signed by the D-backs in late August and helped lead their Triple-A affiliate (Reno Aces) to a national championship.
McMurray finished the 2012 American Association season hitting .304 with 18 home runs, 23 doubles and 53 RBI.
The 26-year old backstop was a 2008 draft pick of the Cincinnati Reds. He joined the Grand Prairie AirHogs midway through the 2011 campaign and helped lead them to their first American Association title.
Wichita RHP Josh Lowey and Fargo-Moorhead center fielder Nic Jackson were also named Independent All-Stars. Former Saltdogs outfielder Blake Gailen earned a spot on the squad as a member of the Lancaster Barnstormers (Atlantic).