HIGH POINT, N.C. – High Point Rockers outfielder Ben Aklinski and outfielder Zander Wiel have been named to the 2022 Atlantic League-Ballpark Digest Mid-Season All-Star team. Sponsored by Ballpark Digest, the club was assembled by a vote of the 10 Atlantic League managers.
“Both Ben and Zander have been battling injuries but when they are healthy, they are both among the top players in the Atlantic League and well-deserving of this honor,” said Rockers manager Jamie Keefe. “Both are elite players who are putting up great numbers despite having to play through these injuries. I can’t thank either one of them enough for all that they are doing for our ball club and the league.”
Aklinski has spent most of his time in the Rockers’ outfield but has filled in a third base on occasion. Aklinski ranks third in the league with 20 doubles and fifth with 33 extra base hits while posting a .289 average with 11 homers and 41 RBI. Aklinski, a former University of Kentucky player, spent the 2021 season in Lexington before joining the Rockers prior to the 2022 season.
Wiel is hitting .277 with 56 RBI and 17 homers including four multi-homer games. He has started games at first base, third, left and right field this season while also serving as the designated hitter. Wiel’s .638 slugging percentage is the fourth-best in the Atlantic League this season. A member of Vanderbilt’s 2014 College World Series championship team, Wiel was with the Minnesota Twins organization until joining the Rockers this season.
2022 Ballpark Digest-Atlantic League Mid-Season All-Star Team
C Colton Shaver, Lancaster
1B Kelly Dugan, Lancaster
2B Joseph Rosa, Gastonia
SS Elmer Reyes, York
3B Carlos Franco, York
OF Courtney Hawkins, Lexington
OF Ben Aklinski, High Point
OF David Harris, Southern Maryland
DH Zander Wiel, High Point
SP McKenzie Mills, Southern Maryland
SP Marcus Walden, Gastonia
RP Endrys Briceno, Southern Maryland
RP Tyler Wilson, Charleston
Managers: Stan Cliburn, So. Maryland; Mauro “Goose” Gozzo, Gastonia
