River Cats announce 2016 Player Awards
West Sacramento, CA - The Sacramento River Cats are excited to announce the 2016 Player Choice Awards. These awards, which are voted upon by the players and select front office staff, cover various fields and include Most Valuable Player.
Defensive Player of the Year: For his special ability in the outfield, Gorkys Hernandez was named the River Cats' Defensive Player of the Year. While 2016 included a highlight reel of incredible plays for the centerfielder, what's more impressive is that many would-be highlights looked routine for Hernandez. Hernandez' nickname is "The Hunter" because there's nothing in the outfield that he can't track down.
Offensive Player of the Year: While he may not have led the team in home runs or RBI, Grant Green was far and away the most consistent River Cats hitter at the plate during the 2016 season. His .319 batting average is tops on the team, his 52 RBI second, and his home runs (7) are fourth. The River Cats veteran hit an incredible .373 in the second half of the season.
River Cats Pitcher of the Year: 2016 was a big season for left-hander Ty Blach, who took big steps forward in his sophomore Triple-A campaign. Blach was named a Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Week two times, a PCL All-Star, and the PCL left-handed Pitcher of the Year. He made 26 starts and won 14 games, matching the River Cats franchise record. Those 14 wins also led the PCL, as did his innings pitched (162.2) and complete games (3).
Most Versatile Player: After spending this last offseason in Sacramento working out with current Giants catcher Trevor Brown, Myles Schroder became familiar with Raley Field and the River Cats. A catcher by trade, Schroder was looking for a chance to contribute at the Triple-A level, and after a promotion from Richmond in June, had his chance. Schroder logged starts at second, third and all three outfield positions, taking over as the every day centerfielder for the final week of the season.
Most Exciting Player: Whenever Mac Williamson came to the plate, it was an at bat everyone would stop to watch. The powerful right-handed slugger was a threat for a 440-foot blast at any moment, but was also a thrill to watch in the outfield. With above average speed and a strong arm, Williamson made a number of spectacular sliding and diving plays and tallied 83 putouts and three assists in just 48 games.
Most Improved Player: When Austin Slater was promoted from Double-A Richmond in early June, he wasn't a name River Cats or Giants fans recognized. After leading the Eastern League in batting average (.317 in 41 games), Slater immediately struggled to adjust to Triple-A pitchers. The talented outfielder hit just .227 through his first two months with the River Cats, but when the calendar turned to August, Slater started to put everything together. Taking over in centerfield, Slater slashed .381/.444/.681 in the season's final month with nine home runs and 26 RBI.
Most Inspirational (Best Teammate): Veteran first baseman Travis Ishikawa had certainly inspired Giants fans (2014, anyone?), but he brings that same motivation to the River Cats clubhouse on a daily basis. Ishikawa possesses a level of experience that is unmatched by any other player in the clubhouse, and with that experience, helps keeps the younger guys and older guys alike ready to go. His good-hearted nature and veteran presence are an instrumental aspect of the River Cats clubhouse.
Most Valuable Player: It is only fitting that 2016 PCL All-Star and River Cats Defensive Player of the Year Gorkys Hernandez takes home the title of Most Valuable Player. In addition to his defense, Hernandez's consistent offense (.302, 8 HR, 51 RBI) and overall outstanding play earned him the honor from his teammates. The outfielder's exceptional season earned him a spot on the Giants 40-man roster in August, where he has played eight games.
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The Sacramento River Cats are the Triple-A affiliate of the 2014 World Champion San Francisco Giants. The team plays at Raley Field in West Sacramento, consistently voted one of the top ballparks in America. River Cats Season Tickets, Mini-Plans, and Flex Plans can be purchased for the upcoming 2017 season by calling the River Cats Ticket Hotline at (916) 371-HITS (4487). For more information about the River Cats, visit www.rivercats.com. For information on other events at Raley Field, visit www.raleyfield.com.