Jason Bourgeois named Louisville Bats MVP
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - The Louisville Bats and manager Jim Riggleman will announce outfielder Jason Bourgeois as the recipient of the team's 2014 Mary E. Barney Most Valuable Player Award prior to Saturday's game versus the Toledo Mud Hens.
Bourgeois has been a consistent plug in the Bats outfield and atop the batting order for the majority of the season and sits atop or near the top of a number of offensive categories. He leads the team with 151 hits this season, third in the International League, and is tied with teammate Ruben Gotay for the team lead and the IL lead with 134 games played. His 151 hits this season are not only a career high, but also the seventh-most by a player in a single season in Louisville franchise history. Additionally, Bourgeois leads the team with 24 stolen bases; ranks second on the team with 75 runs, 29 doubles and a .279 average; and is third on the team with 42 RBI and 198 total bases.
"He's been a consistent player throughout the season and has played at a high level," Riggleman said. "It kind of epitomizes his career - he's been a very consistent player throughout his career - and it epitomizes what we're looking for in a ballplayer. He's outstanding, gives you great effort every day and is a consummate team player. He's been a real pleasure to have on our ballclub."
The Mary E. Barney Most Valuable Player Award was founded in 2006 and is awarded each year to a player to be determined by the Bats coaching staff. Bourgeois will become the 10th recipient of the award upon Saturday's presentation. Previous recipients include current Cincinnati Reds Joey Votto (2007), Zack Cozart (2010) and Devin Mesoraco (2011), among others.