Butler Named KC's Player Of The Year
Published on November 16, 2009 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Omaha Storm Chasers News Release
OMAHA, NE - The Kansas City Royals today announced that Billy Butler has been named as the 2009 Les Milgram Player of the Year. The award was voted on by the Kansas City Chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America. The 23-year old Butler, who was a unanimous selection, becomes the youngest Royals player to win the award since George Brett picked up the honor in 1976, also at the age of 23.
After splitting the 2007-2008 seasons between Kansas City and Triple-A Omaha, Butler was an offensive force in his first full season in the big leagues in 2009. He led the parent Royals with a.301 average, 51 doubles and 93 RBI, while finishing second with 21 home runs. The first baseman became the fifth player in Major League history to record at least 50 doubles and 20 home runs in a season prior to the age of 24, joining Hank Greenberg (1934), Alex Rodriguez (1996), Albert Pujols (2003) and Miguel Cabrera (2006).
Butler ranked third in the American League in home batting average (.362), tied for sixth in extra-base hits (73) and 10th in total bases (299). He also earned the A.L. Player of the Month for September, after hitting.363 with six home runs and 26 home runs in 27 games that month.
Butler was KC's first-round pick (14th overall) in the 2004 draft out of Wolfson High in Jacksonville, Florida. He opened the 2007 season with Omaha, hitting.291 with 13 home runs and 46 RBI in 57 games. He saw his first big league action in 2007, batting.292 with eight homers and 52 RBI in 92 games over two stints with Kansas City.
In 2008, Butler made his first career Opening Day roster and spent most of that season in the big leagues, hitting.275 with eleven home runs and 55 RBI in 124 games. He was optioned to Omaha on May 29, but was recalled on June 28 after hitting.337 with five homers and 13 RBI in 26 Triple-A contests.
Another former Omaha Royals player, Zack Greinke, appears to be a lock to earn the 2009 Bruce Rice Pitcher of the Year when it is announced on Tuesday. Last Friday, second baseman Alberto Callaspo was honored with the Joe Burke Special Achievement Award.
Pacific Coast League Stories from November 16, 2009
- Astros Announces 2010 Express Field Staff - Round Rock Express
- Former Zephyr Coghlan Named NL Rookie Of The Year - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- Butler Named KC's Player Of The Year - Omaha Storm Chasers
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