Ratterree Named League MVP

Diggs also honored as Manger of the Year

By Zac Vierra

August 31, 2013

On Saturday it was announced that Michael Ratterree was named the 2013 Ralph Nelles Award winner which is given to the most valuable player in the Pioneer League. Ratterree currently leads the league in RBI (54), runs (56), total bases (141), and slugging percentage (.618). He is also tied for the league lead in home runs with 12 and is fifth in the league with a .320 batting average.

Ratteree (above) was also named to the Pioneer League All Star Team.

This is Ratterree's first professional season after getting drafted by Milwaukee in the 10th round of the 2013 MLB Draft out of Rice. Ratterree has played in 58 games for Helena this season, the most of any Brewer, and he leads the team in runs (56), hits (73), doubles (20), triples (6), home runs (12), RBI (54), total bases (141), and slugging percentage (.618).

Helena manger Tony Diggs was also honored as the Pioneer League Manager of the Year. In his first season as manager of Helena, Diggs has led the team to an overall record of 40-27. The Brewers finished the first half of the season with a 23-15 mark and clinched a playoff spot in the process.

First baseman Adam Giacalone and pitcher Anthony Banda were named honorable mentions.

Jake Sanchez of Great Falls was named the Logan Hurlburt Pitcher of the Year.

2013 Pioneer League All Star Team:

C Zane Evans, Idaho Falls Chukars

1B Daniel Palka, Missoula Osprey

2B Carlos Garcia, Idaho Falls Chukars

3B Cal Towey, Orem Owlz

SS Jose Rondon, Orem Owlz

OF Raimel Tapia, Grand Junction Rockies

OF Michael Ratterree, Helena Brewers

OF Jacob Scavuzzo, Ogden Raptors

DH Jacob Morris, Great Falls Voyagers

P Patrick Controy, Idaho Falls Chukars

P Jake Sanchez, Great Falls Voyagers

P Jonathan Van Eaton, Orem Owlz

P Devin Burke, Grand Junction Rockies

P Ben Lively, Billings Mustangs