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IL1 Buffalo Bisons

Bisons Name Ryan Mulhern Team MVP

August 28, 2007 - International League (IL1)
Buffalo Bisons News Release


The Buffalo Bisons today announced that INF Ryan Mulhern has been named the team's Stan Barron Most Valuable Player for the 2007 season. The slugger accepted his honor in a pre game ceremony just prior to the Herd's final home game of the 2007 regular season, Tuesday, August 28 against the Syracuse SkyChiefs.

LHP Aaron Laffey was named the Warren Spahn Most Valuable Pitcher while INF Luis Rivas was awarded the Judge Michael Dillon Comeback Player of the Year. Other awards handed out in the ceremony include the Joe DeSa Most Inspirational Player Award to RHP Jeff Harris, the Frank J. Vallone Community Service Award to OF Jason Cooper and the Joe Byron Fan of the Year Award to Father Dan Palys.

Stan Barron Most Valuable Player -Ryan Mulhern

Named after Stan Barron, a legend in Buffalo broadcasting, this award is given to the player who demonstrates outstanding ability, good sportsmanship and dedication. At the heart of the Bisons' offense all season long has been Ryan Mulhern. The slugging first baseman leads the team in games (125), hits (137 -9th in the International League), doubles (35 -3rd in IL), RBI (75 -9th in IL) and runs scored (67). Mulhern is also tied for the team lead in home runs (16) and 2nd in batting average (.301 -8th in IL) and slugging percentage (.492). He was named an International League mid-season All-Star (reserve) after hitting over .300 in each of the first three months of the year.

Mulhern drove home six runs on April 16 in Columbus (4-5, R, 2 2B, HR) and went a perfect 4-4 on May 15 in Ottawa (HR, 2RBI). He homered in consecutive games played twice: April 24 against Syracuse and April 27 in Pawtucket, then again August 17 against Rochester and August 18 in Ottawa. A clutch hitter, Mulhern has averaged .350 with 64RBI with runners in scoring position and .333 with 31RBI with runners in scoring position and two outs.

The 2007 season was Mulhern's first at the Triple-A level. He was the Indians' 11th round selection in the 2004 First-Year Player Draft.

Warren Spahn Most Valuable Pitcher - Aaron Laffey

Established in 2001, this award is presented to the Bisons' pitcher who demonstrates outstanding ability, good sportsmanship and dedication throughout the course of the season. In 2004, the honor was named after Hall of Fame pitcher, Warren Spahn, the winningest lefty in Major League history. Aaron Laffey began the season at the Double-A level, but made a huge impact with the Bisons. He currently leads the team in complete games (2) and is tied for the lead in wins (9). His 3.08ERA would be the 3rd lowest mark in the International League if he had 12 more innings pitched.

After starting his Herd career going 0-3 with an 8.64ERA in his first three starts, the southpaw was unbeatable. He made Bisons' history in June, becoming the first pitcher in the Modern Era to win six games in a month. He went 6-0 with a 0.87ERA that month, with 38 strikeouts and only 30 hits allowed.

Laffey also won his final three decisions with Buffalo, becoming the first starting pitcher in the Modern Era to win nine consecutive decisions. He was the IL Pitcher-of-the-Week August 13-19.

Overall on the year with Buffalo, Laffey is 9-3 with a 3.08ERA in 16 games. He's currently with the Cleveland Indians and is 2-1 with a 4.76ERA in his first three Major League games with the Tribe.

Judge Michael Dillon Comeback Player of the Year - Luis Rivas

This award is named for the late Judge Michael F. Dillon, who was a three-time Erie County district attorney and served a 14-year term on the State Supreme Court. It recognizes an individual who overcomes injury, personal problems or a rough season and exemplifies the meaning of hard work and dedication. Luis Rivas missed the first two months of the 2006 after surgery on his right hand, an injury that limited him to 69 games and a .218 batting average for the Durham Bulls. In his first year with the Bisons, the slick-fielding infielder has hit .262 with nine home runs and 40RBI in 101 games with the Herd.

Rivas is 3rd on the Bisons in games played (101), stolen bases (14) and walks (42), 4th in runs scored (53) and 5th in on-base percentage (.343). He was named a mid-season International League All-Star (reserve). A catalyst for the Bisons offense, Rivas averages .288 with 11 walks when leading off an inning.

Joe DeSa Most Inspirational Player - Jeff Harris

The Joe DeSa Award is named for the slick-fielding, power hitting player who was with the Bisons from 1985-86. He lost his life in a car accident in December of 1986. The award, which is voted on by his teammates, is presented annually to the player who truly exemplifies the meaning of inspiration by his play and love of the game. Jeff Harris was one of the most reliable pitchers in 2007 and never shied away from taking the ball. On more than on occasion, the veteran took the mound on short rest to give his team valuable innings. He is currently tied for the team lead in quality starts (10) and is 2nd in starts (20), innings pitched (128.0) and strikeouts (76).

Frank J. "Fremo" Vallone Community Service Award - Jason Cooper

The Community Service Award is named for the late Frank J. Vallone, the Bisons good will ambassador and most celebrated fan who served as a host and ticket salesperson from 1987-1990. The award is presented annually to the player who best represents the club in community related activities, charitable and youth oriented activities. For four seasons with the Bisons, Jason Cooper has become a fan favorite for his efforts off the field as well as his play on it. All season long, Cooper has been one of the first Bisons players to volunteer to give back to the Western New York community. He was also a major part of the Bisons youth baseball clinics and academies during the season.

This is the second consecutive season Cooper has won the Bisons Community Service Award. Former player and current manager Torey Lovullo is the only other person to win the award in multiple seasons (1995, 1997, 1998).

Joe Byron Fan of the Year - Father Dan Palys

The Fan of the Year Award is named for the late Joe Byron, who is best known for singing the Canadian and US National Anthems at Buffalo Bisons baseball games and Buffalo Sabres hockey games. The award is presented each season to the person who best represents fans through their dedication to the team and to baseball. A native of Buffalo, Father Dan Palys has been a Bisons' season ticket holder for 20 years. Known to fans throughout Dunn Tire Park just as "Father Dan," Palys combines a special love for baseball and people and brings a unique wealth of experience and knowledge to any conversation.

Palys attend St. John Kanty Elementary School and the Diocesan Preparatory Seminary in Buffalo. He received a BA and BD from St. John St. John Vianney Seminary in East Aurora. He was ordained on May 24, 1969 by Bishop McLaughlin in St. Joseph's New Cathedral in Buffalo.

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