Knapp Named 2015 Paul Owens Award Recipient

Fightins catcher Andrew Knapp was named the recipient of the 2015 Paul Owens Award as the organization's top minor league player of the year, the Phillies announced earlier today. Right-handed pitcher Ricardo Pinto was also named the farm system's top pitcher.

Between his stops in Clearwater (A+) and Reading, Knapp hit .308 with 35 doubles, 13 home runs, 84 RBIs, 77 runs scored, and 51 walks to set professional highs in all of those categories. 

He surged upon his promotion to Reading on June 26 where he hit .360 with 11 home runs, 56 RBIs, 21 doubles, and 39 runs scored in just 55 games. Knapp hit safely in all but nine of his games at Double-A and recorded two hitting streaks of 16 and 17 games. He also had 24 multi-hit games with the Fightins. 

The catching prospect capped off his breakout season by capturing Eastern League Player of the Month honors for August. Throughout the season, he also earned two consecutive Phillies Minor League Player of the Week awards (July 27-August 2, August 3-9), an Eastern League Player of the Week award, and a starting spot in the Florida State League All-Star Game.

Knapp was drafted by the Phillies in the second round of the 2013 draft out of the University of California. 

The Paul Owens Award was created in 1986 and was named after the late Phillies scout, farm director, general manager, manager, and senior advisor. It is presented annually to the top minor league player and pitcher in the Phillies system.