In his 13 years of minor-league baseball, Cito Culver, the second baseman for the Tri-City ValleyCats, has never had the opportunity to play in an All-Star Game. However, he is determined to change that next week.
Culver was recently selected to the East Division roster for the Frontier League All-Star Game, which will be held on July 12 at Ozinga Field in Crestwood, Ill. Despite dealing with a sore right shoulder that prompted him to switch from playing shortstop to second base, Culver intends to participate in the All-Star Game. The ValleyCats will fly Culver and their closer, Reymin Guduan, who also made the East roster, to Chicago for the event.
“I’m truly excited about it,” Culver stated before the Fourth of July game against the Empire State Greys, which drew a crowd of 5,512 fans at Bruno Stadium. Unfortunately, the ValleyCats lost the game 7-2 after a 1 hour and 46-minute weather delay.
Although Culver was named a Frontier League All-Star two seasons ago while playing for the Sussex County Miners, the game did not take place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s selection is particularly meaningful to Culver, who expressed his excitement and gratitude for the recognition.
Currently, Culver holds a batting average of .294, with six home runs and 27 RBIs for the ValleyCats. Against the Empire State team, he went 1 for 4 in Tuesday’s game. Meanwhile, Guduan boasts five saves and a 2.38 earned-run average.
“It’s a well-deserved honor for both Cito and Reymin,” commented Tri-City manager Pete Incaviglia. “Cito has been exceptional this season, demonstrating consistency and playing through injuries. He is a leader in the clubhouse, and Reymin has also been fantastic for us.”
After starting the season as a shortstop, Culver transitioned to designated hitter and finally settled at second base on June 21. He is managing a “little bit” of tendinitis in his shoulder but insists that it will not keep him out of the lineup. Although he has not needed a painkilling shot for his shoulder yet, Culver acknowledged that it may be a possibility in the future.
Selected in the first round of the 2010 MLB Draft by the New York Yankees, Culver spent nine seasons primarily playing shortstop in affiliated ball. However, he has adapted well to his new position at second base.
Culver expressed his trust in Incaviglia’s decision to move him to second base and praised the coaching staff for their support. In his second season with the ValleyCats, Culver’s confidence in his teammates and coaching staff has helped him thrive.
Despite the ValleyCats’ loss to the Empire State Greys, Culver remains optimistic and believes that the team will bounce back. He acknowledged the team’s lackluster performance but also recognized that it is a part of the game.
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