Drury Named Appy League Co-Player of the Year

DANVILLE, VA - The Appalachian League announced the 2011 All-Star Team today and Danville Braves, third baseman, Brandon Drury was named one of the two Players of the Year along with Eddie Rosario of the Elizabethton Twins. The team is voted on by managers, general managers, and members of the media throughout the Appalachian League.

The Grants Pass, Oregon, native is ranked number one in the league in batting with a .350 average through 57 games. Drury's 85 hits lead the league and he is ranked third in runs batted in with 48. He is also second in doubles with 20.

"Brandon Drury winning Co-Player of the Year is well deserved," said Randy Ingle, manager of the Danville Braves.

"He has been very consistent from the beginning. He's a hard worker and he plays the game the right way," he added. "Brandon hit third all year at the age of 18 and leads the league, just wow."

Drury, who turned 19 years old on Sunday, is the second D-Brave in three years to earn the distinction. Riaan Spanjer-Furstenburg earned the award in 2009.

The rest of the awards and All-Star team were also named on Wednesday. Cam Cameron (Kingsport), Chase Davidson (Greeneville), Tyler Rahmatulla (Johnson City), Taylor Motter (Princeton), Miguel Sano (Elizabethton), Jamal Austin (Pulaski), Kevin Pillar (Bluefield), and Chris Hawkins (Bluefield) were the other position players named to the 2011 squad.

Art Charles (Bluefield) was named the All-Star designated hitter. Tim Shibuya (Elizabethton) was named the All-Star right handed pitcher and Kyle Hald (Johnson City) was named the left-handed pitcher. Madison Boer (Elizabethton) was named the All-Star team's relief pitcher.

Tim Shibuya was also named the Pitcher of the Year. Dennis Holmberg, the manager of Bluefield, was named Manager of the Year and Ryan Hedwall of Elizabethton earned the Trainer of the Year award.