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It was a busy year for the Batavia minor leagues as all three teams packed up home base and moved to new locations over the summer. With new management and many new players, it is time to announce the award winners from the Batavia minor leagues.
Houston Dragons
Pitcher of the Year
MR Tad Crossman
Crossman was the 13th pick in the 1987 draft and went 4-1 with 15 saves and a 1.44 ERA in A ball. Called up to AAA in '88 he had a rough start transitioning to a starter. On 7/3/88 he got the win but was in dire straights with a 3-6 record and 3.44 ERA. He was switched back to reliever and responded immediately. From that point on he seemed to flip a switch and finished the season with a 4-6 record, 2.75 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 138 K's.
Slugger of the Year
OF Ruben 'Cool Papa' Marin
With most of the hitters that were standouts called up the Muckdogs roster Marin was the last logical choice. Acquired from Pittsburgh in a trade last season Marin hit .272/.333/.411 with 17 HR's and 84 RBI's. He also finished the season with a .978 fielding percentage in right field.
MR Tad CrossmanCrossman was the 13th pick in the 1987 draft and went 4-1 with 15 saves and a 1.44 ERA in A ball. Called up to AAA in '88 he had a rough start transitioning to a starter. On 7/3/88 he got the win but was in dire straights with a 3-6 record and 3.44 ERA. He was switched back to reliever and responded immediately. From that point on he seemed to flip a switch and finished the season with a 4-6 record, 2.75 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 138 K's.
Slugger of the Year
OF Ruben 'Cool Papa' MarinWith most of the hitters that were standouts called up the Muckdogs roster Marin was the last logical choice. Acquired from Pittsburgh in a trade last season Marin hit .272/.333/.411 with 17 HR's and 84 RBI's. He also finished the season with a .978 fielding percentage in right field.
Eagle River (WI) Wolverines
Pitcher of the Year
SP Pat Hamilton
Drafted by Batavia in the 2nd round with the 21st pick in '87 Hamilton started this year in A ball. After quickly progressing he was moved up for the onslaught of Muckdog draft picks this season. In 14 games played for Eagle River he went 7-2 with 2 saves, a 1.92 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 57 K's.
Slugger of the Year
SP Pat HamiltonDrafted by Batavia in the 2nd round with the 21st pick in '87 Hamilton started this year in A ball. After quickly progressing he was moved up for the onslaught of Muckdog draft picks this season. In 14 games played for Eagle River he went 7-2 with 2 saves, a 1.92 ERA, 0.95 WHIP, and 57 K's.
Slugger of the Year
SS Jermaine EdnamsEdnams was traded to Batavia in the blockbuster deal last season with Davenport. All though he was called up to AAA late in the season, Ednams did play 80 games in Eagle River. In that span he hit .315/.377/.425 with 5 HR's, 36 RBI's, and 23 SB's. If he continues to improve he could be a huge asset in the Batavia infield.
Hondo (TX) Outlaws
Pitcher of the Year
CL Yann Martel
Drafted in the 2nd round of the '88 draft by Batavia Martel was thrown into the fire from day one. He was pounded early and quickly had a 0-4 record and 4.50 ERA. Switched to the closer role he responded and down the stretch won two, lost two, and had six saves. He finished the year with a 2.80 ERA and 1.25 WHIP.
Slugger of the Year
OF Pete Merner
Batavia's 1st round pick (#4) was used to select Merner and big things are expected of him for the future. In a league where pitching often matures faster and dominates Merner was often caught off-guard but over time showed some improvement. In 34 games he hit .245/.298/.324 with 2 HR's and 6 RBI's.
CL Yann MartelDrafted in the 2nd round of the '88 draft by Batavia Martel was thrown into the fire from day one. He was pounded early and quickly had a 0-4 record and 4.50 ERA. Switched to the closer role he responded and down the stretch won two, lost two, and had six saves. He finished the year with a 2.80 ERA and 1.25 WHIP.
Slugger of the Year
OF Pete MernerBatavia's 1st round pick (#4) was used to select Merner and big things are expected of him for the future. In a league where pitching often matures faster and dominates Merner was often caught off-guard but over time showed some improvement. In 34 games he hit .245/.298/.324 with 2 HR's and 6 RBI's.