Russ Canzler Named 2011 International League MVP
Published on August 30, 2011 under International League (IL1)
Durham Bulls News Release
Durham, NC - The International League today announced Bulls IF/OF Russ Canzler has been named the 2011 Most Valuable Player. Canzler is the fifth Durham Bull to win the award in the 14 years since the Bulls have been a member of the International League. He joins Dan Johnson (2010), Kevin Witt (2006), Toby Hall (2001) and Steve Cox (1999).
"It feels great. It's definitely a little overwhelming. It's one of those things you don't imagine happening for yourself. I was fortunate enough to play with a good group of guys the entire year and stay healthy and it's a real tribute to this organization to have the league MVP for two years in a row," Canzler said.
The former 30th round draft pick had never played above the Double-A level before signing with Tampa Bay as a free agent this past offseason. Having seen significant time at third base, first base, left field, and right field, the versatile Canzler has made his biggest contributions for Durham at the plate. He is 4th in the International League with a .312 average to go along with 18 home runs and 79 RBI. His 61 extra-base hits, 77 runs scored, 241 total bases, and .533 slugging percentage are all tops in the IL.
In July, Canzler was elected as the starting third baseman for the IL at the Triple-A All-Star Game, where his three-run home run was the difference in the 3-0 contest. He is just the second IL player ever to win Top Star honors at the Triple-A All-Star Game and the League MVP award in the same season, following in the footsteps of another Durham Bull, Kevin Witt in 2006.
The last time the International League named a Most Valuable Player from the same team in consecutive years was in 1984 and 1985 when Scott Bradley and Dan Pasqua of Columbus were so honored.
International League Stories from August 30, 2011
- G-Braves Lose Close One, Playoff Hopes Remain Alive - Gwinnett Stripers
- Canzler Comes Through in the Clutch - Durham Bulls
- Humber and Pierzynski Join Knights on Rehab Assignments - Charlotte Knights
- Three Indians Named to Postseason All-Star Team - Indianapolis Indians
- Injured Niagara Co. Sheriff Deputy Allen Gerhardt to Throw First Pitch - Buffalo Bisons
- DBAP to Host 2012 Triple-A National Championship Game - Durham Bulls
- Indians Finish Final Homestand with a Bang - Indianapolis Indians
- IronPigs Game Notes - Lehigh Valley IronPigs
- Mesoraco & Cozart Named 2011 IL All-Stars - Louisville Bats
- Three Clippers Named to All-Star Team - Columbus Clippers
- Dayan Viciedo Elected to I.L. Post-Season All-Star Team - Charlotte Knights
- G-Brave Teheran Picks up Dual IL Honors - Gwinnett Stripers
- Bisons Announce Plans for Annual Fan Appreciation Night - Buffalo Bisons
- Russ Canzler Named 2011 International League MVP - Durham Bulls
- International League Announces 2011 All-Stars & Award Winners - IL1
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
