51s Ruiz Named PCL Most Valuable Player
September 4, 2009 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1) News Release
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - The Pacific Coast League today announced Randy Ruiz of the Las Vegas 51s the 2009 PCL Most Valuable Player, an honor annually chosen by the League's managers and media representatives.
Ruiz currently leads the league in RBI (106), doubles (43) and extra base hits (70). His (.320) batting average is eighth in the league, and is sixth in the league in runs scored (81). The first baseman is fourth in the PCL in slugging percentage (.584) and in home runs (25).
This season, he was selected as the starting first baseman for the PCL in the Triple-A All-Star Game held in Portland, OR. In 2008 with the Rochester Red Wings, he won the International League batting title with a .320 average and was named the IL Rookie of the Year
On August 11th , Ruiz had his contract purchased by the Toronto Blue Jays and is hitting .292 with five home runs and eight RBI in 18 games for the Jays.
Ruiz is the first Las Vegas player to win the PCL MVP since Phil Hiatt in 2001. He is in his first season with the Toronto Blue Jays organization and eleventh overall in professional baseball. The Bronx, New York native was signed by the Cincinnati Reds as a non-drafted free agent out of Bellevue (NE) University in 1998.
Past PCL MVP's include players Paul Konerko in 1997, Bobby Valentine in 1970, Tony Perez in 1964, three time winner Steve Bilko, 1955-1957, Joe DiMaggio in 1935, and last year's winner Nelson Cruz of Oklahoma.
For more information on Ruiz and other 2009 PCL award-winners, please visit the League's official website at www.pclbaseball.com. There you can also find information on the 2009 PCL playoffs, scheduled to begin on Wednesday, September 9th.
Pacific Coast League Stories from September 4, 2009
- Arencibia powers 51s over Beavers - Portland Beavers
- Aces win pitcher's duel, 2-1 - Reno Aces
- Zephyrs Top Sounds, 4-3, On Two Home Runs - Nashville Sounds
- Zephyrs Nip Sounds, 4-3 - New Orleans Baby Cakes
- Redbirds rally by RedHawks - Memphis Redbirds
- Isotopes win over Cubs - Iowa Cubs
- Omaha Outhits Express - Round Rock Express
- PCL Ruling boosts Tacoma Rainiers Playoff Possibilities - Tacoma Rainiers
- OKC Redhawks Game Notes September 4th - Oklahoma City Comets
- 51s Ruiz Named PCL Most Valuable Player - PCL1
- Beavers Come Back and Down Sky Sox, 6-5 - Colorado Springs Sky Sox
- Ambriz, Blackley shut out Sacramento - Reno Aces
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.
