Butler's Marcus Named League MVP, Top Prospect
August 20, 2015 - Prospect League (Prospect)
Butler BlueSox News Release
Chillicothe, OH - August 20, 2015 - Butler BlueSox' David Marcus concluded an incredible summer Thursday when he was named the Prospect League's Mike Schmidt Most Valuable Player for the 2015 season. Marcus was also recognized as the Roland Hemond Pro Prospect of the Year as well as the East Division's top first baseman.
The powerful left-hander led the League in multiple categories including doubles (18), extra-base hits (30), slugging percentage (.601), RBIs (49), and intentional walks (3). Marcus hit 11 home runs, which was more than twice the number hit by any other player and set a new single-season record for the BlueSox.
Marcus, who will be entering his senior season at California University of PA in the spring, was the fourth player in the League's history to lead in home runs and RBIs. Though he led batting average for much of the summer as well, no player has been able to capture the Triple Crown by finishing atop all three categories.
Marcus finished fourth in average, albeit behind three players with at least 76 fewer at bats.
Marcus hit clean up and played first base or DH in every contest for Butler, becoming the fifth player in League history to play all 60 games in a season. He had the second highest fielding percentage among first basemen, committing four errors in 484 chances.
His power led to a 268.3 Runs Created Plus, a stat used to measure a player's production relative to the League average player. Only Jeff Holm an outfielder for Chillicothe has a higher RC+ in the League's seven-year history, when he finished with a 268.5 RC+ in 2010.
Butler closer Zach Spangler was named the top relief pitcher for the East Division. He set a new all-time League record with 19 saves. He threw 25.1 innings, striking out 26 and walking just eight for a 2.13 ERA. The Cranberry Township native will be a sophomore at Kent State this spring.
The League's field managers, a front office representative, and media member from each team voted on the Awards.
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Prospect League Stories from August 20, 2015
- Four Paints Named Postseason All-Stars - Chillicothe Paints
- Butler's Marcus Named League MVP, Top Prospect - Butler BlueSox
- 2015 Prospect League Post Season All-Stars - Prospect
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