Osprey Alumni Update: Overbay still plating runs
The Osprey alumnus is currently swinging away for the Toronto Blue Jays, anchoring the first base position for a team which is, like nearly everyone else in their division, in contention for the American League East title.
Overbay is currently entrenched in the minor league record books, thanks to the amazing 101 RBIs he accumulated in his lone Osprey season of 1999. That's more than 100 runs accounted for in only 76 games. Not only is that feat the Pioneer League record, it is also the mark for all short-season leagues.
He hasn't stopped being the run-producer, either, on his path to the major leagues. The Centraila, Wash. native has driven in 100 or more runs in two other minor league campaigns and at least 70 runs in three of his four full seasons in the major leagues.
Overbay was slowed a bit in the power numbers in 2007, hitting just .240 in 122 games with 10 home runs and 43 RBIs. This season, however, the Osprey alumnus has found his stroke again, batting .274 with five home runs and 24 RBIs - nearly half of his run-producing numbers from a season ago in just over half the time (63 games).
Overbay set a Blue Jay record in May by reaching base by hit, walk, or being hit by a pitch in 13 consecutive games.
Overbay was a key part of the 1999 Osprey, which won the Pioneer League title, sweeping both Helena and Billings on their way to the championship. Overbay was named the Pioneer League Player of the Year that season, compiling a .343 batting average, slamming 12 home runs and slugging at a .588 clip to go along with his RBI prowess. Overbay led the PL in hits, doubles, extra-base hits and total bases, and was named a Howe Sportsdata Star of Stars and to the Baseball America Short-Season All-Star Team.
His path to the major leagues also went through South Bend and El Paso (where he led the Texas League in hitting in 2001) before getting a September call-up with Arizona in 2001. He split the next two seasons between Tucson and the Diamondbacks before being traded to Milwaukee in December 2003. Overbay then spent the next two seasons in Milwaukee before moving on to Toronto.
The Osprey will open their 10th season in Missoula on Tuesday, June 17, when they host the Billings Mustangs at Ogren Park Allegiance Field. Tickets are available by visiting the Missoula Osprey office at 412 W. Alder St., by calling (406) 543-3300, or by visiting the team's website at www.missoulaosprey.com.