Kivlehan receives 2014 Dernell Stenson Sportsmanship Award

Jackson, Tenn - Surprise Saguaros third baseman Patrick Kivlehan has been named the 2014 recipient of the Arizona Fall League's Dernell Stenson Sportsmanship Award. In addition to his character and leadership, Kivlehan led the Fall League in RBI (22) and ranked third in runs scored (18).

The West Nyack, NY native, a two-time Fall Leaguer, hit .280 with 4 home runs, 22 RBI, 44 total bases, .387 on-base percentage, .473 slugging percentage and .861 OPS.

"It was a real honor winning the Dernell Stenson Award because you know what it stands for," Kivlehan told the Generals on Wednesday. "I try to always treat people the right way on and off the field because someday baseball is going to end for everybody. I want to be remembered as being a good person and teammate just as much as I want to be remembered as a good ball player."

For the Generals in 2014, Kivlehan batted .300, with 23 doubles, 7 triples, 11 home runs and 68 RBI in 104 games. Kivlehan was the Southern League's top utility player appearing in games at five spots on the diamond.

His performance in the 2014 AFL was a huge improvement over 2013 when Kivlehan hit just .164 overall.

"I felt comfortable out there (this year)," added Kivlehan. "I think my exposure to this league last year really helped me prepare myself going into this year. I didn't want to worry about stats because the fall league is only a small sample side. I just wanted to go out there and have fun, work on things I needed to work on at first base, have as many quality at-bats as possible and make some friends from other organizations."

Regarded as Seattle's No. 6 prospect by MLB.com, the 24-year-old three-year professional was a fourth-round (131st overall) selection by the Mariners in the 2012 draft out of Rutgers University. In his three minor-league seasons, Kivlehan owns a .299 composite batting average with 48 homers, 245 RBI, .366 on-base percentage and .491 slugging percentage in 338 games at Single-A and Double-A.

Dernell Stenson Sportsmanship Award - The Fall League instituted the Stenson Award in 2004 in memory of former AFL player Dernell Stenson, who was killed in 2003 in Arizona during the AFL season. Stenson played for the Grand Canyon Rafters in 1998 and was playing for the Scottsdale Scorpions at the time of his death.

The award is presented annually to the Fall League player who best exemplifies unselfishness, hard work and leadership. The manager and coaching staff from each of the six Fall League teams nominate one player for the award.

Other Nominees - Other players nominated for the 2014 Stenson Award were Glendale outfielder Steven Moya (Tigers), Mesa outfielder Cal Towey (Angels), Peoria 3B Hunter Dozier (Royals), Salt River shortstop Austin Nola (Marlins) and Scottsdale outfielder Aaron Judge (Yankees).

Dernell Stenson Sportsmanship Award Recipients:
2014 - Patrick Kivlehan (Mariners), 3B, Surprise Saguaros
2013 - Garin Cecchini (Red Sox), 3B, Surprise Saguaros
2012 - Cole Kimball (Nationals), RHP, Salt River Rafters
2011 - Kevin Mattison (Marlins), OF, Surprise Saguaros
2010 - Steve Lombardozzi (Nationals), IF, Scottsdale Scorpions
2009 - Russ Mitchell (Dodgers), 1B, Peoria Javelinas
2008 - Jason Donald (Phillies), IF, Mesa Solar Sox
2007 - Sam Fuld (Cubs), OF, Mesa Solar Sox
2006 - Kevin Frandsen (Giants), IF, Scottsdale Scorpions
2005 - Andre Ethier (Athletics), OF, Phoenix Desert Dogs
2004 - Mark Teahen (Royals), 3B, Phoenix Desert Dogs