2013 MiLBY Awards
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Play of the Year
Check back on to find out who won!
The Mud Hens wrapped up their home finale with probably their most unusual play of the entire season. "You know what we say, 'Holy Toledo,'" play-by-play man Jim Weber exclaimed. Toledo's 7-2-4-3 triple play was picked as the play of the year. Read More »
When you see Kevin Keyes connect on a mammoth home run to left in Carolina, it's impossible to ignore the connection: You immediately think "The Natural." Keyes' blast off a light tower in left field was an honest, real-life, actual light bulb-shattering shot that led to a rain of glass shards in an otherwise quiet April Minor League game for Class A Advanced Potomac. It's the Home Run of the Year. Read More »
Ricky Oropesa hit 14 homers over 123 regular-season games in 2013, reaching Double-A in the Giants' system, but more notably, he carried Class A Advanced San Jose to the California League Championship Series by homering in four consecutive playoff games. His last blast was chosen Moment of the Year. Read More »
A young couple is taking in a Minor League Baseball game when the man and woman are unexpectedly shown on the infamous "Kiss Cam," a popular gimmick at arenas and stadiums that's sure to produce cute moments and, sometimes, hilariously awkward ones. This setup in Fresno was chosen as Blooper of the Year. Read More »
It's a scenario that sounds straight out of Hollywood: a beloved hometown sports icon, severely weakened by old age and illness, musters up the strength for one final public goodbye. It's the story of Trenton bat dog Chase's last appearance at Arm & Hammer Park. Fans voted it the Promo of the Year. Read More »
When the sun went down and the lights came on in Clinton, Iowa, on June 28, Paul Gierhart grabbed his camera and made his way out to left field. What resulted was a memorable shot that the fans voted Photo of the Year ahead of diving catches, collisions at home plate and animal invasions of all sorts. Read More »
The video that commemorates our Promo of the Year was voted as the top mascot clip by fans. There's something about a beloved dog that brings a smile to one's face and a tear to one's eye, and this video provided both. Read More »
Phillies third base prospect Maikel Franco always had the tools, and his 2012 season ended with promise for more to come. Indeed, in 2013, Franco put it all together with a combination of contact and power that launched him up prospect lists to earn the staff's choice for Breakout Prospect. The fans gave the nod to Tigers infielder Devon Travis, who takes home his second MiLBY. Read More »
With his chase for a 40-home run/40-stolen base season, George Springer became the face of the Houston Astros' looming resurgence, and his all-around excellence at the plate and on the bases (not to mention his outstanding defense in center field) made him the staff's choice for top offensive player of 2013. Detroit middle infieleder Devon Travis proved that big pop can come from small packages to get the fans' vote. Read More »
A pair of pitchers who finished the season in Class A Advanced take home the MiLBYs. The fans selected Giants lefty Ty Blach, who thrived in the hitter-friendly Cal League in his first full season. Our staff went with C.J. Edwards, the stringbean righty who dominated for Hickory in the Sally League before a midseason trade sent him from the Rangers to the Cubs, where he helped lead Daytona to a Florida State League title. Read More »
The two Best Team MiLBY winners made their marks by sweeping through their league's playoffs. The GCL Nationals went 49-9 before rolling to the Gulf Coast League title and the staff's choice for a MiLBY. Trenton road momentum past talented Binghamton and Harrisburg squads and to the title, earning the fans' vote. Read More »
There was no disagreement in this category. The MiLB.com staff and fans alike agreed that Javier Baez's four-homer game on a June night in Florida was the premier performance of the Minor League season. The power display was merely the high point of a spectacular season for the Cubs' top prospect, and we have more on the night and Baez's future. Read More »
When it came to deciding the Minor Leagues' best fireman for 2013, the fans spoke loudly and clearly, choosing Nationals righty Richie Mirowski, who won 10 games in relief for Potomac and Harrisburg combined. Our staff went with Marlins righty and Purdue product Nick Wittgren, whose 26 saves and 0.77 ERA speak for themselves. Read More »
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With Columbus bringing the tying run to the plate with two on in the ninth inning, the Mud Hens ended their Aug. 31 game with an unlikely 7-2-4-3 triple play.
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Votes: 20%
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There are several reasons Byron Buxton is the top overall prospect in the game, and his defensive range is certainly one of them. Here, he shows off that range by galloping through center and diving to rob an opponent of certain extra bases.
- Votes: 13%
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With one out in the ninth inning of Eric Jokisch's no-hitter, Cubs prospect Javier Baez made a sensational diving grab to preserve the hitless night, which would culminate a batter later.
- Votes: 13%
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Durham baserunner Tim Beckham looked like he was going to be out at home on a throw from center. Then, he turned into the Human Joystick and juked his way around the catcher before finally touching home safely.
- Votes: 12%
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Dee Gordon's over-the-shoulder catch in short left was quite impressive on its own, and then the Albuquerque shortstop turned while on his knees and somehow managed to throw the runner out at first for a double play.
- Votes: 8%
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After swiping second base, Aces speedster Tony Campana decided that he liked it so much he would go for third as well. He completed the hat trick of thefts by stealing home -- all with two outs in the inning.
- Votes: 8%
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When you gotta go, you gotta go. And it looked like Buffalo's Anthony Gose sure had to go. The speedster was off well before the pitch from then-Norfolk hurler Jake Arrieta and slid into home without much of a challenge. Talk about speed.
- Votes: 6%
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Apparently, Alden Carrithers just wanted to get into the dugout a little early. The Gwinnett third baseman jumped up and over the railing and somehow held on for the out even after crashing onto the hard ground.
- Votes: 5%
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51s center fielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis went a long way to right center, jumped, balanced himself on the top padding of the fence and somehow still managed to grab a deep shot off the bat of River Cats slugger Stephen Vogt.
- Votes: 5%
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A Yankees first-round pick, shortstop Cito Culver showed off his talented glove and arm by snagging a hot shot deflected from third baseman Ty Afenir and then nabbing the Rome batter at first.
- Votes: 4%
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Blue Jays prospect Daniel Norris showed he has strong skills in self-preservation, snagging a line drive that was inches away from hitting him in the head. The Lansing lefty robbed West Michigan's David Gonzalez.
- Votes: 3%
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Pawtucket's Drew Sutton looked like he had a pretty good chance at a homer, that is until Clippers right fielder Jeremy Hermida stretched over the wall to haul in the potential longball and preserve a shutout.
- Votes: 3%
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Call him "The Natural." Kevin Keyes got all of this one for Potomac, and as a result, he shattered some lights in left field. If you try hard enough, you may even hear the classic film's epic soundtrack.
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Votes: 26%
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Cubs top prospect Javier Baez is certainly capable of hitting one home run. Two isn't out of the question, either. Three is certainly quite the feat, though. But four? Now that you have to see to believe.
- Votes: 14%
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Among the many adjectives used to describe Byron Buxton, clutch is certainly one of them. In this video, Buxton launches a walk-off grand slam for Cedar Rapids and celebrates the moment he makes contact.
- Votes: 8%
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Because of his combination of power and speed, George Springer nearly entered the 40-40 club this season. However, the latter usually did little to help his home run totals, except on this occasion when he cruised around the bases for an inside-the-park homer.
- Votes: 8%
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As the saying goes at Durham Bulls Athletic Park, "Hit Bull Win Steak. Hit Grass Win Salad." Well, Craig Albernaz achieved the former in grand style with this impressive homer.
- Votes: 7%
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Walk-off homers are always impressive, as seen here in Joe Maloney's longball for Myrtle Beach. But what makes it even more special is the resulting celebration as Maloney's teammates all tumble to the ground the moment their hero reaches home.
- Votes: 7%
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AL Rookie of the Year candidate Wil Myers hit 27 homers between Triple-A Durham and the Majors this season. This monster blast for the Bulls may have been his most impressive.
- Votes: 7%
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Xander Bogaerts made his long-awaited introduction to Triple-A ball in June, and it didn't take him long to get acclimated. He launched his first blast at the new level in just his second game with Pawtucket.
- Votes: 6%
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Before he was building his reputation as a rookie sensation with the Dodgers, Yasiel Puig was opening eyes during his 40-game stay with Chattanooga. Here, he sends a ball screaming over the wall in center for a three-run shot.
- Votes: 5%
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Grand slams are exciting. Homers in the 10th inning are exciting. Game-tying grand slams in the 10th inning? Now, those are just on a different level. Take it from Rochester's Jeff Clement.
- Votes: 5%
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Ryan Goins smacked a ball deep to right center for Buffalo, and from there, it was off to the races. Hustling the whole way, the Bisons shortstop went into home headfirst for one of his six Triple-A homers.
- Votes: 4%
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Brewers prospect Victor Roache capped a seven-RBI game with this long grand slam for Wisconsin against Dayton. It was one of 22 home runs on the season for the Georgia Southern product.
- Votes: 2%
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Ricky Oropesa hits a mammoth blast for San Jose, his fourth straight game with a home run in the California League playoffs. The reaction of Visalia's pitcher says it all.
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Votes: 30%
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Hali Palmer thought she was just throwing out the first pitch to an anonymous catcher at a Myrtle Beach game in June. Then, the man behind the mask revealed himself. It was Staff Sergeant Richard Palmer, Halie's father, who was making a surprise return from his second tour in Afghanistan.
- Votes: 23%
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Lansing's Dalton Pompey drove in South Bend's Brandon Drury to give the East Division a 6-5 win over the West in the 2013 Midwest League All-Star Game in Dayton.
- Votes: 9%
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U.S. Army Sergeant Luis Lugo, who lost his leg while fighting in Afghanistan, and his family were surprised at an Isotopes game in late August with the news that they would be given a brand new house.
- Votes: 8%
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Eric Jokisch got Pete Andrelczyk to bounce out to third, and the celebration of Tennessee's first no-hitter in six years was on. Jokisch's teammates mobbed the hurler, stole his hat, gave him a Gatorade shower and nearly tore off his jersey -- all in the name of a no-no.
- Votes: 8%
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He had retired 26, yet there was so much more pressure on Brooks Pounders to record the 27th out of his no-hit bid. He did just that, and his teammates rushed the mound to celebrate Northwest Arkansas' first individual no-hitter in its six-year history.
- Votes: 6%
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In a jam in a one-run game, Omaha lefty Zach Jackson fanned Vincent Belnome to earn the Storm Chasers the Triple-A Championship. Celebration ensued for the underdogs from the Pacific Coast League.
- Votes: 6%
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Reds speedster Billy Hamilton showed that he can field too. In the Triple-A All-Star Game, the then-Louisville center fielder made a diving catch to rob Albuquerque's Nick Buss of a hit in an International League victory.
- Votes: 4%
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They call it a walk-off because after the game is decided on a single swing, both teams get to walk off, albeit with very different emotions about the result. Pat Cantwell hit a walk-off infield single for Myrtle Beach, but instead of walking off, he exhibited his own emotions by sprinting away from his celebrating teammates.
- Votes: 3%
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In Game 5 of the Texas League Finals, Missions slugger Johan Limonta extended his team's lead from 1-0 to 5-0 with one swing, as his grand slam helped San Antonio take the Texas League title.
- Votes: 2%
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A man on his cellphone can't be bothered to kiss his significant other during the Fresno Grizzlies' kiss cam promotion in an early-season game.
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Votes: 21%
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So much for "One, two, three strikes, you're out." Midland's Vinnie Catricala took the first pitch for a strike. He disagreed with umpire Ron Teague's call, and when he stepped out to argue, Teague called a second strike. When Catricala still didn't step into the box, Teague called strike three and tossed the RockHounds third baseman -- all after just one pitch.
- Votes: 13%
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It must have been a one-in-a-trillion shot. A seemingly normal foul ball plopped directly into a cupholder in front of the press box at Altoona's Peoples Natural Gas Field. It's about as close as we'll get to a hole-in-one in baseball.
- Votes: 12%
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Delays happen for any number of reasons. This skunk-related delay in Jackson was a new one though, as you can see in this video that we promise does not stink.
- Votes: 10%
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Outfielders weren't the only ones allowed to patrol the warning track during this particular contest in Everett. A friend of the feline variety managed to get onto the field, delaying the contest before he was scooped up by a Hillsboro reliever.
- Votes: 9%
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One Dayton fan truly gives it his all by tracking down a home run, leaping with full extension and snagging a home run ball in the berm seating. He even faceplants into a wall after the catch but still manages to hold onto the souvenir.
- Votes: 8%
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New Hampshire's Alan Farina was just trying to intentionally walk Reynaldo Rodriguez to load the bases during a tie game with two outs in the ninth. Instead, his fourth pitch was extremely wild and flew to the backstop, allowing Eddie Rosario to score the game-winning run from third.
- Votes: 7%
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Everyone's heard the phrase, "Dot the i's, cross the t's." Well, this is what happens when you cross eyes -- mass chaos, as seen in this video of a Northwest Arkansas fan race. (You think they would have seen this coming.)
- Votes: 5%
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Sadly, walk-off intentional walks were a bit of a theme this season. The victim this time was Richmond reliever Cody Hall, who missed his target to allow Maikel Franco to scamper home for the winning run for Reading.
- Votes: 5%
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After one hit-by-pitch earlier in the game, Albuquerque's Justin Sellers didn't take too kindly to being the second Isotope thrown at by a Memphis hurler. The result was a couple of emptied benches and bullpens and 10 total ejections.
- Votes: 5%
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Not all great plays are made in the field, as this Albuquerque fan shows by snagging a foul ball with his bare hand and maintaining control despite taking a small tumble backward into his seat.
- Votes: 3%
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Chase the Bat Dog Retirement
A timely farewell to a Double-A canine legendOver the past 13 years, the Thunder's most popular ballpark personality was Chase the Bat Dog. To honor his years of loyal service the team staged an emotional retirement party and bobblehead giveaway; Chase, unfortunately, passed away shortly thereafter.
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Votes: 29%
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Wounded Warrior Softball Game
A stunning display of athleticism in the face of adversityAfter entering the stadium through a tunnel of motorcycles and being introduced on the field in "World Series-style" fashion, a squadron of amputee war veterans competed in a competitive softball game that showcased their ability to overcome grave injury.
- Votes: 15%
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Sharknado Night
A tongue-in-cheek celebration of a basic cable phenomenonAfter consulting with meteorologists, marine biologists and crackpot conspiracy theorists, the Captains determined that a Sharknado was headed their way. The result was a B movie-worthy evening of inflatable shark attacks, temporary shark tattoos, gummy shark treats and shark-costumed staff.
- Votes: 14%
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Sharkarine Giveaway
Literal interpretation of memorable nickname leads to inspired giveawayBefore reaching the Majors, Roger "the Shark" Bernadina patrolled the Potomac outfield with a predatory vigilance. Hence the P-Nats' "Sharkarine" giveaway, which depicted Bernadina as the half-shark half-man that he may very well wish to be.
- Votes: 14%
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Boston Strong Night
A strong show of solidarity from the land of the BravesIn the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings, the G-Braves sprang into action and organized a star-studded fundraiser. A who's-who of A-list athletes with Boston ties -- Matt Ryan, Jason Varitek and Dee Brown among them -- lent considerable star power to the philanthropic ballpark proceedings.
- Votes: 7%
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Maker Faire
Robotics and blacksmiths merge with the national pastimeMaker Faire -- described as "the Greatest Show (and Tell) on Earth" -- are steadily increasing in popularity nationwide, and this season the Grizzlies brought a "mini" version to the ballpark. Innovation, inspiration and participation ensued.
- Votes: 6%
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Staged Marriage Proposal
In which a romantic ballpark engagement goes horribly wrongThe Rock Cats received a deluge of national attention after video of a failed on-field marriage proposal went viral. This cringe-inducing bit of public humiliation turned out to be a stunt, but did it really matter?
- Votes: 4%
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Bopening Night
A touching tribute to a much-missed ballpark fixtureAfter the tragic offseason passing of longtime batboy Bo Forney, the Curve dedicated the entirety of their Opening Night festivities to his all-too-short life. Friends and family packed the stands, and a silent auction benefited the American Heart Association.
- Votes: 4%
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Clue Night
A harrowing whodunit plays out at the ballparkKeys rally mascot Frank Key has been murdered - but by whom? Through scoreboard videos, ballpark clues and dugout interrogations, all was (eventually) revealed during this interactive and uber-suspenseful night at the ballpark.
- Votes: 4%
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Twitter Theme Jerseys
Taking the lead with those who followIn a truly unprecedented example of social media innovation, TinCaps players took the field in a theme jersey that displayed the Twitter handles of over 6,200 of the team's followers. A great way to send a direct message!
- Votes: 3%
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Credit: Paul R. Gierhart/MiLB.comA stunning Midwest sunset looms over Clinton's Ashford University Field during a Class A LumberKings game on June 28.
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Votes: 20%
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Credit: Ken Inness/MiLB.comA monkey riding a dog -- part of the Cowboy Monkey Rodeo -- appears to be rounding up Wilmington infielders during a Carolina League game on July 13.
- Votes: 13%
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Credit: Dano Keeney/MiLB.comWest Virginia's Stetson Allie plows into Asheville catcher Drew Beuerlein during a play at the plate on April 14. Beuerlein hung on for the out.
- Votes: 10%
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Credit: Shari Sommerfeld/MiLB.comA Hillsboro Hops reliever had his hands full when he came out of the bullpen on June 23 in Eugene to wrangle a stray cat in the outfield.
- Votes: 10%
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Credit: Kevin Pataky/MiLB.comDurham Bulls ace Jake Odorizzi watches a butterfly float by the mound before a Triple-A start against Rochester on Aug. 7, 2013.
- Votes: 8%
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Credit: Ken Jancef/MiLB.comHarrisburg Senators outfielder Destin Hood went all out making a diving catch at Fenway Park during the Futures at Fenway game against Portland on July 27.
- Votes: 8%
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Credit: Mark LoMoglio/MiLB.comFort Myers catcher Matt Koch tries to find the pop-up hit by Tampa Yankees DH Matt Snyder during some heavy rain at Steinbrenner Field on Aug. 2.
- Votes: 8%
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Credit: Mark Kuhlmann/Storm ChasersFans enjoy a view of post-game fireworks from the outfield in Omaha as the team celebrated Independence Day at Werner Park on July 3.
- Votes: 7%
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Credit: Danny Wild/MiLB.comOmaha players use folding tables as a Slip n' Slide during a very wet clubhouse celebration after beating Durham to win the Triple-A National Championship on Sept. 17.
- Votes: 6%
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Credit: Mark Kuhlmann/Storm ChasersOmaha Storm Chasers shortstop Irving Falu defies gravity in leaping for a ground ball on July 24 against Oklahoma City.
- Votes: 3%
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Credit: Mark Kuhlmann/Storm ChasersOmaha's Johnny Giavotella takes a look at his new infield partners, a trio of rams that were part of an on-field promotion on Aug. 31.
- Votes: 3%
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Credit: Mark Kuhlmann/Storm ChasersNashville right-fielder Sean Halton lost his hat but kept his eyes on a sinking fly ball, making a sliding catch against Omaha on July 28.
- Votes: 3%
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Since 2002, Chase had served as bat dog for the Trenton Thunder before retiring in July. The Thunder held an official Retirement Party in his honor before Chase unfortunately passed away three days later at the age of 13.
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Votes: 52%
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Savannah's Gnate kicks it old-school during his Mascot Mania campaign with a sandwich board and some good old-fashioned gladhanding in this video that looks like it was taken right from an old newsreel.
- Votes: 12%
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Norfolk's Rip Tide promised fans that he would go skydiving if he received enough support during Mascot Mania. Tides fans came through, and not much later, Rip followed through on that promise.
- Votes: 8%
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Altoona's Steamer trained, trained and trained some more to take on a particular Eastern League umpire in a highly anticipated boxing match. Once he did put on the gloves though, it, um, didn't go as planned.
- Votes: 8%
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Myrtle Beach mascot Splash shows what he's all about and recruits some of his friends around the city to help him in his campaign for this year's Mascot Mania.
- Votes: 7%
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"Everybody get up!" At least that's what Aberdeen's Ferrous and his friends were telling fans in this spoof of Robin Thicke's summertime hit, "Blurred Lines."
- Votes: 7%
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Wilmington mascot Rocky Bluewinkle already has the name down pat. Here, he shows off the workout regiment and montage-making ability made famous by the classic Sylvester Stallone boxing flick.
- Votes: 6%
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.351/.418/.518, 28 2B, 16 HR, 76 RBIs, 22 SBA mid- and postseason Midwest League All-Star, Travis batted .352 in West Michigan and .350 in Lakeland. His .351 combined average ranked first among all Minor Leaguers with more than 350 at-bats. He was one of five players to hit above .330 and also steal 20 or more bases.
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Votes: 42%
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.312/.373/.451, 24 2B, 15 3B, 106 RS, 84 SBJohnson led the Minors with 84 stolen bases over three levels, nine more than Billy Hamilton. He also ranked fourth with 15 triples, three off the Minors lead. His .342 batting average in Kannapolis would have ranked one point shy of the SAL crown if he had enough at-bats to qualify.
- Votes: 13%
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8-2, 1.86 ERA, 116 1/3 IP, 155 K'sEdwards ranked fourth in the Minors with a 1.86 ERA among starters with more than 20 starts. He posted a 1.83 mark in the South Atlantic League, and he was tied for 13th in the Minors with 155 strikeouts.
- Votes: 8%
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.269/.351/.473, 20 2B, 16 HR, 72 RBIs, 10 SBSeager spent most of 2013 with Great Lakes where he hit .309. Seager tied for the Loons team lead with 12 homers despite playing 56 fewer games than Tyler Ogle, whom he shared it with. Seager also led the team with a .309 average and ranked second with 57 RBIs.
- Votes: 6%
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.314/.417/.506, 36 2B, 15 HR, 65 RBIs, 38 SBBetts advanced from Class A Short-Season and stole 38 bases in 42 attempts. Only one player with more than 35 steals had a better success rate (90.5 percent) than Betts, who also hit .314 and had 55 extra-base hits.
- Votes: 6%
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.320/.356/.569, 36 2B, 31 HR, 103 RBIsFranco led all Minor Leaguers with 308 total bases. He ranked third with 70 extra-base hits and seventh with 103 RBIs. No hitter with more than 20 homers struck out less often than Franco (70), whose 31 homers were 12 more than he amassed in his first three seasons combined.
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Votes: 5%
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9-5, 1.80 ERA, 149 2/3 IP, 142 K'sIn his first crack at full-season leagues, Butler was ninth in the Minors with a 1.80 ERA and first among starters with more than 145 innings pitched. He was one of only two qualifiers to post a sub-1.00 WHIP (0.99).
- Votes: 5%
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9-3, 2.18 ERA, 111 1/3 IP, 164 K'sGlasnow was kept on a tight leash by the Pirates, but that didn't stop him from leading the South Atlantic League in strikeouts and innings. If he had recorded two more outs to qualify for league leaderboards, he would have ranked first with a 2.18 ERA and a .142 batting average against and third with a 1.03 WHIP.
- Votes: 5%
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11-6, 2.67 ERA, 135 IP, 169 K'sOwens showed no ill effects from moving through two levels. His 169 punchouts were the second most in the Minors (Daniel Winkler had 175). Owens' .180 batting average against ranked first in the Carolina League at the time of his promotion, while his 2.92 ERA would have finished fifth.
- Votes: 3%
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2-0, 2.48 ERA, 54 1/3 IP, 67 K'sUrias made his professional debut as an unknown 16-year-old in the Midwest League but finished with one of the best rookie seasons in 2013. He fanned 11.9 batters per nine and held hitters to a .206 average in the second half.
- Votes: 3%
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7-12, 2.63 ERA, 161 IP, 147 K'sFlynn went from Double-A Jacksonville to the Majors in 2013. He made most of his starts with New Orleans where he led the PCL with a 2.80 ERA. His 1.21 WHIP ranked fourth, while his 2.61 BB/9 were fifth, proving win-loss records don't tell the whole story.
- Votes: 2%
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.343/.419/.515, 33 2B, 16 HR, 76 RBIs, 21 SBHerrera led the South Atlantic League with a .343 average. His 162 hits were also first, and he ranked second with a .419 on-base percentage, fourth with 83 runs scored and fifth with a .515 slugging on account of a career-high 16 homers and 33 doubles.
- Votes: 2%
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.351/.418/.518, 28 2B, 16 HR, 76 RBIs, 22 SBA 13th-round pick out of Florida State in 2012, Travis tore up two leagues on his way to hitting .351 -- second-best among all full-season Minor Leaguers. Travis batted .412 in his first 25 games after a promotion to Lakeland.
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Votes: 43%
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.303/.411/.600, 27 2B, 37 HR, 108 RBIs, 45 SBSpringer made a run at the fifth-ever documented 40/40 Minor League campaign, falling three homers shy. The MVP of the Texas League despite playing in just 73 games before a promotion, Springer did it all while playing a strong center field.
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Votes: 10%
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.282/.341/.578, 34 2B, 37 HR, 111 RBI, 20 SBBaez broke out in 2013 with a Minors-best 111 RBIs and 75 extra-base hits while ranking second in home runs with 37. The shortstop's numbers actually improved after a promotion to Double-A Tennessee, where he hit .294/.346/.638.
- Votes: 9%
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.334/.424/.520, 19 2B, 18 3B, 12 HR, 77 RBI, 55 SBThe second overall pick in 2012, Buxton did it all while dominating two levels as a 19-year-old. Buxton hit for average, drew 76 walks, stole 55 bases and led the Minors with 18 triples.
- Votes: 8%
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.251/.338/.623, 23 2B, 40 HR, 88 RBIs, 15 SBStill just 19 years old, Gallo blasted more homers than anyone in the Minors this season despite missing an entire month with a groin injury. His .623 slugging percentage ranked third and his 172 strikeouts were sixth-most.
- Votes: 6%
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.274/.436/.503, 22 2B, 21 HR, 82 RBIDykstra ranked second in the Minors in both OBP and walks while adding 21 homers for first-place Binghamton. The 26-year-old Mets prospect reached base in 44 straight games between May 24 and July 16.
- Votes: 5%
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.280/.382/.610, 30 2B, 35 HR, 103 RBIsThough Sano's average suffered after a promotion to Double-A New Britain, his prodigious power was little affected. The 20-year-old slugger ranked fourth in the Minors in long balls and tied for seventh in RBIs.
- Votes: 5%
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.314/.417/.506, 36 2B, 15 HR, 65 RBI, 38 SBAfter a solid if unremarkable 2012 campaign in short-season Lowell, Betts lifted his slugging percentage nearly 200 points as he tore through two levels and helped Salem win its first title in 12 years.
- Votes: 4%
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.320/.356/.569, 36 2B, 31 HR, 103 RBIsIf the jump to Double-A is the most difficult to navigate, Franco, who turned 21 in August, didn't notice. The Phillies prospect introduced himself to the Eastern League by hitting .339 with 15 homers in 69 games.
- Votes: 3%
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.322/.443/.471, 33 2B, 7 HR, 61 RBI, 23 SBDespite his 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame, Cecchini doesn't hit many homers. What he does is get on base, as he did in 39 straight games in July and August. His .443 on-base percentage was best in the Minors.
- Votes: 3%
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.337/.403/.631, 22 2B, 28 HR, 95 RBICal League offensive stats can be taken with a grain of salt, but it's hard to ignore Borenstein's prowess. He led the circuit in hitting, homers and slugging and hit an amazing .367/.461/.657 with 45 RBIs in 47 second-half games.
- Votes: 3%
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.343/.419/.515, 33 2B, 16 HR, 76 RBIs, 21 SBAfter struggling in 63 games with Asheville in 2012, the switch-hitting Herrera earned Sally League MVP honors with an outstanding campaign at age 20. He won the league's batting title by 28 points.
- Votes: 2%
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12-4, 2.90 ERA, 130 1/3 IP, 117 K'sBlach, a 2012 fifth-round pick, was stellar in his first full pro season. In the hitter-friendly California League, the left-hander struck out 117 batters, walked 18 and surrendered only eight homers in 130 1/3 innings.
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Votes: 26%
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13-4, 2.00 ERA, 166 1/3 IP, 128 K'sAcquired for Ryan Dempster in 2012, Hendricks was more than solid in his first season in the Cubs system. He pitched for Double-A Tennessee and Triple-A Iowa, posting a 2.48 ERA in six Pacific Coast League starts.
- Votes: 20%
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11-2, 1.77 ERA, 137 1/3 IP, 99 K'sIn a system stocked with pitching, Floro won Tampa Bay's Minor League Pitcher of the Year honors. He started the season with Class A Bowling Green, ended it with Class A Advanced Charlotte and posted a 2.51 groundout-to-flyout ratio.
- Votes: 11%
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14-5, 1.84 ERA, 152 IP, 162 K'sThe top-ranked pitcher on MLB.com's list of Top 100 Prospects, Bradley pitched at Class A Advanced Visalia and Double-A Mobile. In August, he tossed the first five innings of a BayBears no-hitter.
- Votes: 10%
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8-2, 1.86 ERA, 116 1/3 IP, 155 K'sA 2011 48th-round pick by Texas, Edwards did not allow a home run over 93 1/3 innings at hitter-friendly Hickory before being traded to the Cubs, who promoted him to Class A Advanced Daytona.
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Votes: 7%
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12-3, 1.96 ERA, 142 IP, 131 K'sThe right-hander dominated with Double-A Birmingham and Triple-A Charlotte, holding opponents to a .197 batting average. The 2011 second-round pick made his Major League debut on Sept. 4.
- Votes: 5%
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9-5, 1.80 ERA, 149 2/3 IP, 142 K'sButler pitched at three levels in 2013, reaching Double-A Tulsa in August. He managed to dominate in hitter-friendly environments like Asheville, the California League and Tulsa.
- Votes: 5%
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11-4, 2.04 ERA, 128 IP, 134 K'sThe 2010 first-rounder dominated the Class A Advanced Carolina League, compiling a 2.41 ERA in 19 starts. After a promotion to Double-A Frisco, Jackson managed a 0.67 ERA in six appearances, including four starts.
- Votes: 5%
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10-6, 2.78 ERA, 136 IP, 131 K'sThe Padres' No. 5 prospect, Wisler managed a 3.00 ERA with Double-A San Antonio after starting the year in the Class A Advanced California League. He held opponents to a .223 average.
- Votes: 3%
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12-3, 2.42 ERA, 156 1/3, 97 K'sDrafted second overall by the Rockies in 2006, Reynolds hit his stride with Triple-A Louisville. He tossed three complete games, including a shutout, while allowing only six homers in 156 1/3 innings.
- Votes: 3%
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12-7, 2.78 ERA, 155 1/3 IP, 150 K'sPer Fangraphs, Montero's 2.45 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) ranked sixth among Minor Leaguers with at least 100 innings. In nine home starts at hitter-friendly Las Vegas, he managed a 2.87 ERA.
- Votes: 3%
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10-6, 2.73 ERA, 141 2/3 IP, 137 K'sFlores' 8.06 strikeout-to-walk ratio was tops among Minor Leaguers with at least 100 innings. He limited opponents to a .216 average while issuing only 17 walks in 22 starts.
- Votes: 3%
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Trenton Thunder
74-67, Eastern League championsThe Thunder finished second behind Binghamton in the Eastern League Eastern Division but got revenge in the playoffs with a three-game sweep. Trenton also swept Harrisburg in the Championship to complete a perfect postseason.
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Votes: 22%
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GCL Nationals
49-9, Gulf Coast League championsThe Nationals' .845 winning percentage was the best ever by a domestic-based short-season or Rookie-level club. They won each of their three playoff games to sweep their way to a Gulf Coast League championship.
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Votes: 16%
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Savannah Sand Gnats
77-61, South Atlantic League championsThe Gnats went 43-26 in the first half to take the South Atlantic League Southern Division title for that stanza. Savannah defeated Hagerstown in four games to win its first Sally League title since 1996.
- Votes: 10%
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Durham Bulls
87-57, International League championsThe Bulls held the best record in the International League for most of the season before finishing 6 1/2 games ahead of Pawtucket at season's end. They won six of seven playoff games en route to their fourth IL title since 2002.
- Votes: 10%
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Daytona Cubs
75-51, Florida State League championsThe club featured Cubs top prospect Javier Baez in the first half and newly acquired rising star C.J. Edwards in the second half. It won five of six games in the playoffs for its third title in the last six years.
- Votes: 9%
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Salem Red Sox
76-64, Carolina League championsWith a 43-27 record in the second half en route to a division title, the Red Sox put together the best half in the Carolina League this season and carried that momentum into the playoffs, where they swept both rounds and won their first title since 2001.
- Votes: 7%
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Quad Cities River Bandits
81-57, Midwest League championsAs the Class A squad in a talented Astros system, the Bandits were always going to be ones to watch. After qualifying with a second place Western Division finish in the second half, they took the Midwest League title home by winning seven of their eight playoff games.
- Votes: 6%
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Cedar Rapids Kernels
88-50, Midwest League Western Division second-half championsThe Kernels went 48-22 in the latter half of the Midwest League season to capture the Western Division second-half title. Their 88 wins on the year were the most in all of Minor League Baseball.
- Votes: 6%
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Omaha Storm Chasers
70-74, Pacific Coast League and Triple-A championsDespite putting up a losing record, the Storm Chasers won the PCL American Northern Division and then went on to capture not only the circuit championship but also the Triple-A Baseball National Championship with a 2-1 win over Durham.
- Votes: 5%
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San Antonio Missions
78-61, Texas League championsThe Missions owned the second-best record in the Texas League and took both the semifinals and Championship Series to five games before winning their 13th title in team history.
- Votes: 4%
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Binghamton Mets
86-55, Eastern League Eastern Division championsThanks to Eastern League MVP Allan Dykstra and Manager of the Year Pedro Lopez, the B-Mets held the circuit's best record and captured their first Eastern Division title since 2000.
- Votes: 3%
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Pulaski Mariners
41-27, Appalachian League championsThe Mariners' Rookie-level affiliate showed they were tops in the Appalachian League with the circuit's best regular-season record. Then, it proved it even further by sweeping Bluefield and Greeneville in the playoffs on the way to a championship.
- Votes: 2%
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Baez's four-homer game
Javier Baez left the yard four times for Class A Advanced Daytona, becoming the second player to accomplish the feat in the 94-year history of the Florida State League. More »
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Votes: 23%
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Biddle fans 16, flirts with perfection
Jesse Biddle set a career high in strikeouts and was perfect for Double-A Reading until allowing two walks and a single in the seventh inning. He ended the threat with a punchout. More »
- Votes: 11%
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Buxton walks off with grand slam
Down three runs with one out in the ninth inning, Class A Cedar Rapids got a game-winning homer from Byron Buxton. The Twins prospect also singled and stole a base. More »
- Votes: 11%
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Bradenton loses no-no, gets triple play
The Marauders blew a no-hitter in the ninth, but the Pirates' Class A Advanced affiliate responded in the best possible fashion: by recording a game-ending triple play. More »
- Votes: 9%
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Gamboa completes job, fires no-no
Seven days after losing a no-hit bid in the eighth inning for Double-A Bowie, knuckleballer Eddie Gamboa tossed one against Harrisburg. More »
- Votes: 8%
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Nats top Cards in 20-inning marathon
In the longest game in the history of both teams, Northwest Arkansas edged Springfield in a Texas League marathon. Matt Fields homered and pitched three innings for the victorious Naturals. More »
- Votes: 7%
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66ers win Cal League epic
Wild Card entry Inland Empire gutted out a 15-inning playoff victory against division titan Lancaster to advance to the Cal League Championship Series. The 66ers went on to win the title. More »
- Votes: 7%
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Knights' Rienzo hurls no-hitter, fans 11
Andre Rienzo played Santa Claus during Triple-A Charlotte's "Christmas in July" promotion, delivering a gem against Indianapolis. The no-no was his fourth career shutout. More »
- Votes: 7%
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Silver Hawks' Pena cycles on birthday
On his 22nd birthday, Fidel Pena threw himself a party and presented Class A South Bend with a gift by hitting for the cycle. Hopefully, somebody else brought the cake. More »
- Votes: 7%
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Mavs roll to 30-8 rout of JetHawks
Talk about offense. Every member of the starting lineup for Class A Advanced High Desert knocked in a run and scored as Patrick Kivlehan and Steven Proscia combined for 11 RBIs. More »
- Votes: 4%
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Back home, Davidson wins Derby
A day after earning MVP honors at the All-Star Futures game, Reno's Matt Davidson returned to Aces Ballpark in time to win the Home Run Derby at the Triple-A All-Star Game. More »
- Votes: 3%
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Ports, JetHawks combine for 11 homers
How many homers do Cal League hitters hit when Cal League hitters hit homers? A lot. Max Muncy slugged three dingers for Class A Advanced Stockton in this record-tying game. More »
- Votes: 3%
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10-3, 1.83 ERA, 68 2/3 IP, 88 K'sMirowski tied for fourth in the Nationals system in wins and worked multiple innings in 20 of his 45 relief appearances. He also notched seven saves.
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Votes: 48%
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10-2, 17 S, 1.66 ERA, 65 IP, 84 K'sSince being drafted in 2011, Quackenbush has consistently been one of the best closers in the Minors. He recorded 17 saves and 10 wins in 2013, placing him in the top five in both categories in the Padres organization.
- Votes: 11%
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3-1, 17 S, 0.63 ERA, 57 1/3 IP, 81 K'sOne half of Durham's closing duo, Lueke may have been the best in the International League. He tied for fifth in saves while fanning 81 batters over 57 1/3 innings.
- Votes: 7%
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2-0, 1.07 ERA, 50 2/3 IP, 40 K'sHenry may not have the gaudy save numbers of the others on this list, but he was nearly unhittable all year long, limiting Texas League batters to a .178 average and surrendering just one homer.
- Votes: 6%
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3-2, 8 S, 1.77 ERA, 56 IP, 67 K'sOne of the few candidates on this list who didn't lead his team in saves, Sewald was a key cog in the Sand Gants' bullpen. He averaged 10.77 strikeouts per nine innings while holding opponents to a .229 batting average.
- Votes: 5%
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1-1, 24 S, 1.69 ERA, 53 1/3 IP, 82 K'sThe most remarkable statistic of Simmons' season? The 2012 22nd-round Draft pick did not allow a single home run in 50 appearances across two levels.
- Votes: 5%
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2-1, 26 S, 0.77 ERA, 58 1/3 IP, 63 K'sWittgren may have had the most under-the-radar season of all the candidates in this category. He compiled a 0.77 ERA in 52 games and led the Florida State League with 25 saves.
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Votes: 4%
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6-1, 11 S, 1.22 ERA, 73 2/3 IP, 70 K'sAfter dominating the Southern League as the closer for the Biscuits, Riefenhauser joined eventual International League-champion Durham, where he was just as good in middle relief.
- Votes: 4%
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3-2, 1.90 ERA, 61 2/3 IP, 93 K'sThe other half of Durham's closing tandem, Yates was named the Rays' best Minor League reliever after closing out 20 games and racking up an incredible 93 strikeouts, good for fourth on the staff.
- Votes: 3%
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3-3, 7 S, 1.93 ERA, 70 IP, 76 K'sEven a move up to Double-A couldn't slow the 22-year-old Morin, who registered six straight saves to end the season for Arkansas. He ended up leading the Angels organization with 23 saves.
- Votes: 3%
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5-4, 20 S, 1.68 ERA, 64 1/3 IP, 72 K'sTying with Kirby Yates for third in the International League in saves, Guilmet actually posted a lower WHIP and ERA than those ahead of him on the saves list.
- Votes: 2%
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2-3, 1.23 ERA, 58 1/3 IP, 66 K'sWhile not a closer, Tejeda dominated across two levels, posting a 1.23 ERA and fanning 66 batters over 58 1/3 innings in 47 games for Class A Advanced Carolina and Double-A Akron.
- Votes: 1%
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Voting for the 2013 MiLBY Awards has ended.