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MLB

Merritt, Lee Earn Mudcats' Year-End Awards

By Darren Headrick
September 2, 2014

Zebulon, N.C. - The Carolina Mudcats are proud to announce that left-handed pitcher Ryan Merritt received the Willie Duke award for his accomplishments on the mound during the 2014 campaign and right-handed pitcher Jacob Lee earned the Ed Hales award for his selfless involvement in community service.

The Willie Duke award is presented annually by the Mudcats to the player who best symbolizes the spirit and dedication to baseball exhibited by Willie Duke. Known as "Mr. Baseball" for his tireless efforts promoting the game, Willie played and managed in professional baseball for nearly 20 years. He has been instrumental in organizing, promoting, and developing youth baseball programs in the Raleigh area since the 1940's.

Merritt, 22, posted 13 wins and a 2.58 ERA across 25 starts in 2014. The wins were the most by a Mudcats hurler since 2000 and he was only the second pitcher in the Carolina League to reach the achievement since 2007. His ERA ranked third in the CL and his 0.95 WHIP was best in Advanced-A. The Celina, Texas, resident finished with 16 quality starts and pitched through seven innings on 11 occasions. The Cleveland Indians originally drafted Merritt in the 16th round in 2011 out of McLennan Community College.

The Ed Hales award is presented by the Mudcats in recognition of the player(s) who best exemplifies unselfish spirit, dedication and commitment to the community. While a member of the Mudcats in 2014, Lee always made time to participate in various community service projects. He assisted with youth camps, attended hospital and school visits and worked with the Miracle League, a baseball league for children with disabilities.

The Carolina Mudcats are the Advanced-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians and just completed their third season as a proud member of the Carolina League. The Mudcats open the 2015 season on Thursday, April 9, against the Salem Red Sox at Five County Stadium. Information on season tickets, group outings and a full schedule will be released at a later date. Fans can purchase tickets or find more information by calling (919) 269-2287 or by visiting carolinamudcats.com.