Danville 97s

• Location: Danville, VA
• League: Carolina League 1998
• Affiliation: Atlanta Braves 1998
• Ballpark:

When the Durham Bulls moved to AAA in 1998, the Carolina League franchise moved temporarily to Danville, VA while the stadium was being built for the team to become the Myrtle Beach Pelicans in 1999. In their only year sharing the stadium with the Danville Braves, the 97s drew 74,737 fans, almost 40,000 less than any other Carolina League team. Managed by Paul Runge, they finished last at 58-82. The club did have some top prospects, though no one made the All-Star team. Voting into the Carolina League's top 10 prospect list that year were pitchers Rob Bell (#4) and Jason Marquis (#5) and catcher Fernando Lunar (#10). Lunar only hit .220/~.236/.283, though the backstop did lead the league's catchers with 9 double plays. Marquis (2-12, 4.87) dropped his first ten decisions and Bell (7-9, 3.28) did lead the league in innings (178) and strikeouts (197). Mike Porzio (3-2, 2.51) split time with the Salem Avalanche and overall was second in the league in ERA (2.58). Joe Winkelsas (6-9, 22 Sv, 2.22 ERA, but a 3.39 RA) closed, while former top prospect Glenn Williams struggled (.215/~.272/.331) at second base. 3B Mike Hessman hit only .200, with 172 strikeouts, but his 20 homers were only two shy of the league lead - overall, he had an OBP around .251 and slugged .382.

Source: 1999 Baseball Almanac

Year-by-Year Record

Year	Record	Finish	Manager	Playoffs	Hitting Coach	Pitching Coach
1998	58-82	8th	Paul Runge		Bobby Moore	Bruce Dal Canton