Gamel Named All-Star, Rookie of the Year
Moosic, Pa. - A breakout year has been rewarded. SWB RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) outfielder Ben Gamel has been named both an International League postseason All-Star and its Rookie of the Year.
Gamel, 23, co-leads minor league baseball with 14 triples and ranks among the IL's top three in batting average (3rd, .304), hits (3rd, 146), slugging percentage (2nd, .476), extra-base hits (3rd, 49), runs scored (3rd, 74) and total bases (2nd, 229). He leads the loop in outfield assists (13).
The Neptune Beach, Fla. native gave his team the lead for good last night with a two-run homer in the seventh, his 10th of the year. He entered 2015 with 10 career home runs over five seasons and 1,634 at-bats. He also singled for his team-best 50th multi-hit game. The usual leadoff man paces the club with 61 RBIs.
Gamel is SWB's first IL Rookie of the Year since Austin Jackson in 2009.
Buffalo's Matt Hague was named Most Valuable Player, Charlotte's Erik Johnson took Most Valuable Pitcher honors and Norfolk's Ron Johnson was named Manager of the Year.
Ten of the circuit's 14 clubs received postseason All-Star nods.
2015 INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE POSTSEASON ALL-STAR TEAM
Catcher: Elias Diaz, Indianapolis Indians
First Baseman: Reynaldo Rodriguez, Rochester Red Wings
Second Baseman: James Beresford, Rochester Red Wings
Shortstop: Dixon Machado, Toledo Mud Hens
Third Baseman: Matt Hague, Buffalo Bisons
Outfielders: Ben Gamel, SWB RailRiders; Dariel Alvarez, Norfolk Tides, Brian Bogusevic; Lehigh Valley IronPigs
Designated Hitter: Jesus Aguilar, Columbus Clippers
Utility Player: Taylor Motter, Durham Bulls
Starting Pitcher: Erik Johnson, Charlotte Knights
Relief Pitcher: Oliver Drake, Norfolk Tides
The RailRiders will host "Mariano Rivera Day" on Thursday, Sept. 3 against the Bisons with an appearance by the Yankees' legendary closer himself. For more information please call (570) 969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.
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