NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Lehigh Valley IronPigs

Franco and Garcia Capture Year-End Awards

August 26, 2014 - International League (IL1)
Lehigh Valley IronPigs News Release


(Allentown, Pa.) - INF Maikel Franco and RHP Luis Garcia were chosen by the media as the IronPigs' year-end "Hitter of the Year" and "Pitcher of the Year" award winners and will be recognized during a pre-game ceremony prior to Tuesday's IronPigs-Chiefs game at Coca-Cola Park.

Franco, who is celebrating his 22nd birthday today, is enjoying one of the finest seasons in IronPigs history and, among single-season club records, now ranks T-4th in doubles (31), T-6th in RBI (71) and T-8th in HR (15). In addition to leading the IronPigs in each of those categories, he is also the team-leader in total bases (211) and T-1st in triples (4). Since July 2, he's batting .328 with ten homers and 40 RBIs in 48 games. His total of RBI (40) ranks T-2nd in the IL behind just Charlotte's Andy Wilkins (45) and his home run (10) total ranks T-5th for the period.

This past Sunday, Franco completed just the 2nd cycle in IronPigs history (Michael Taylor, '09), going 4-for-4 in a seven-inning doubleheader contest. Franco's .256 batting average is currently at a season-high as the slugger has gone 16-for-36 with 4 homers and 9 RBIs in his last 9 games.

Franco has also been a valuable asset defensively, having committed just ten errors in 123 games at the corner infield positions. He entered the season ranked by Baseball America and milb.com as the top prospect in the Phillies organization.

Garcia, 27, was a 2014 International League All-Star and currently ranks T-1st in the IL with 20 saves while going 2-1 with a paper-thin 1.03 ERA in 37 games this season. Garcia started the year by going 21 games and 22.2 innings without allowing an earned run. He's also struck out better than a batter per inning, with 48 punch outs in just 43.2 innings.

In his two year IL career, Garcia has been the most dominant IL reliever as evidenced by a 0.99 ERA in 45 games and a 23-for-26 save conversion rate. After making his Major League debut last year, Garcia has made 4 additional appearances out of the Phillies bullpen in 2014.

Garcia's recent success is even more remarkable considering that he was out of professional baseball in 2011 and 2012, working as a haircutter and mover among other things, before returning to pro ball in 2013.

Single-game tickets for all remaining IronPigs home games this season are on sale now and can be purchased at the Coca-Cola Park Ticket Office, online at www.ironpigsbaseball.com or by calling (610) 841-PIGS (7447).

The 2015 ticket plan renewal process is currently underway. Those interested in purchasing a new full season, 36-game or 18-game ticket package for the 2015 campaign may call (610) 841-PIGS (7447) for more information or to secure their plan today.

Check out the Lehigh Valley IronPigs Statistics

• Discuss this story on the International League message board...

International League Stories from August 26, 2014


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.

OurSports Central