MISSOULA, MONT – A pair of former Missoula Osprey players will be heading to Yankee Stadium for the 10th annual All-Star Futures Game on July 13, 2008. Middle infielder Emilio Bonifacio (2003) and outfielder Gerardo Parra (2006) are currently playing in the Diamondbacks organization at Triple-A Tucson and Double-A Mobile respectively.

Bonifacio has moved up quickly through the D-backs farm system since starting with the Osprey in 2003. Bonifacio’s .199 batting average did not mirror his other stats as he finished fourth in the Pioneer League in stolen bases (15), and posted a respectable .298 on-base percentage. Bonifacio has since been successful, batting a .325 average with 13 homeruns this season. Bonifacio made is major league debut last September.

Parra, who played with the Osprey in 2006 and helped the O’s to the Pioneer League Championship, is tasting success himself. Parra, who started with the Osprey, hit .328 with four homers, 43 RBIs and stole 23 bases. Currently playing for the BayBears, Parra is batting .277 with two homeruns and 10 RBIs.

Tickets for the 2008 Missoula Osprey season are on sale, with home games this Tuesday through Thursday against the Helena Brewers. You may purchase tickets at the Missoula Osprey office at 412 W. Alder St., via the web at www.missoulaosprey.com, or call (406) 543-3300.