Otters Sign MVP Allen to Extension
March 21, 2017 - Frontier League (FL)
Evansville Otters News Release
EVANSVILLE, Ind. - The Evansville Otters have signed the reigning Frontier League Most Valuable Player Josh Allen to a contract extension.
Allen, a second baseman and Fort Meade, Fla. native, hit .354 during the regular season last year in helping Evansville clinch a playoff berth. He also broke the Otters' single-season doubles record with 34 while finishing with 123 hits and 46 RBIs.
"Really excited to have Josh back, but I'm surprised he didn't get an opportunity with affiliated baseball after his MVP season last year," Otters manager Andy McCauley said. "Josh brings experience and leadership on and off the field."
In the Otters' postseason run that ended with the franchise's second Frontier League title, Allen had six hits and scored nine runs. He also drew nine walks.
"It is tough to follow a season like Josh had last year," McCauley said. "If anyone can do it, I believe he can.
"He sets high expectations and holds himself accountable."
A Frontier League All-Star selection in 2014 and 2016, Allen joined the Otters in 2014 after playing collegiately at the University of West Florida.
In three seasons with Evansville, Allen has a .300 batting average with 274 hits and 128 RBIs.
"He doesn't make excuses for failures," McCauley said. "I am excited to see what he does this year and hopefully he gets a chance to move up."
Evansville will open the regular season in Marion, Ill. May 12 against the Southern Illinois Miners at 7:05 p.m. and will celebrate Bosse Field's Opening Night May 19 against the Gateway Grizzlies at 6:35 p.m.
The Evansville Otters are the 2006 and 2016 Frontier League champions. Group packages and season tickets are now on sale. For more information, visit evansvilleotters.com or call 812-435-8686.
• Discuss this story on the Frontier League message board...
Frontier League Stories from March 21, 2017
- Otters Sign MVP Allen to Extension - Evansville Otters
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.
