Capitals OF Linden Named Inaugural MVP of the North American League
October 11, 2011 - North American League (NAmL)
Edmonton Capitals News Release
Edmonton, AB - The Edmonton Capitals Baseball club is very proud to congratulate Edmonton Capitals Outfielder Todd Linden on being named the inaugural Most Valuable Player of the North American League - adding an exclamation point to the Capitals amazing NAL Championship season. Linden hit .355 with 14 home runs, 79 runs batted in, 22 doubles, 5 triples, and 23 stolen bases. Impressively, Linden had 64 walks and just 62 strike outs. His combination of offensive ability and plate discipline led to a .480 on-base percentage and a 1.080 slugging percentage.
"I am honored and thrilled. It's a great award and something that couldn't have been accomplished without my teammates." said Linden "It's an award that could have been won by a lot of players who put up great numbers. But I think in the end what separates the players on our team is the championship and that's something that we accomplished as a team."
Linden's season is a big reason the Capitals captured the Northern Division title and became the 2011 North American League champions after a 5-game series victory over the Rio Grande Valley WhiteWings in mid-September.
"It's a tremendous honour for Todd and well deserved." said Gord Gerlach, Caps Director of Baseball Operations "Even beyond his numbers; the intangibles that Todd brought to our clubhouse were even more important to our team's success. He provided a veteran presence in a time when we needed it."
"He was such a big part of our club in many ways other than his numbers demonstrated. " said Field Manager Orv Franchuk "In the clubhouse, communicating with the staff, and just a real caring attitude about his teammates and his appreciation of the fans and the city of Edmonton. [Todd] is a quality guy and I have made some calls on his behalf to major league organizations. If he is still available come spring training I would love to have him back."
Linden joined the Capitals in 2011 after spending the 2010 season playing for Tohoko Rakuten in Japan. Linden began his professional career in 2001, when the San Francisco Giants drafted him 41st overall. He has over 500 MLB at-bats and has seen time in the Majors with the Giants and the Florida Marlins. Linden owns a .231 average with 8 homeruns and 36 RBI in the Major Leagues. Linden also found success in AAA, where he has a career .287 average, 97 homeruns, and 358 RBI.
"The baseball club is incredibly proud of Todd and his teammates and we appreciate how both he and the rest of the club embraced our City and fans." said Caps Vice President & Alternate Governor Darryl Porter "This is the direct result of the emphasis our team management puts on acquiring quality players both on - and off the field and mirrors the values of the Rexall Sports Corporation."
North American League Stories from October 11, 2011
- RHP Barnard Named North American League Pitcher of the Year - NAmL
- Capitals OF Linden Named Inaugural MVP of the North American League - Edmonton Capitals
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