PCL1 Nashville Sounds

Ex-Sound Jason Bay Named N.L. Rookie Of The Year

Published on November 8, 2004 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Nashville Sounds News Release


Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Jason Bay was rewarded for a productive 2004 season when he was named the National League Rookie Of The Year on Monday afternoon.

Bay, who captured the National League Rookie-of-the-Month award in June, July and September, finished with 25 first-place votes and a total of 146 points, based on a 5-3-1 tabulation system. San Diego shortstop Khalil Greene finished second with seven first-place votes and a total of 108 points.

Bay batted .282 with 26 home runs and 82 RBIs in 120 games for Pittsburgh to become the Bucs' first-ever recipient of the award, which has been given annually since 1947.

The 26-year-old Canadian – who was dealt to the Pirates in August 2003 in the Brian Giles deal – led all Major League rookies in homers and RBIs despite missing the first month of the season. He also ranked first among National League rookies in slugging percentage (.550), total bases (226), and extra-base hits (54).

But before he joined the Pirates to begin his impressive MLB campaign, Bay's 2004 season started in Nashville in early May as he rehabilitated from off-season shoulder surgery. In his four games with the Sounds, Bay batted .400 (4-for-10). Three of his four hits went for extra bases and he drove in three runs.

The youngster joined the Sounds on May 3 and went 1-for-3 with an RBI double that night against Memphis in his season debut. After striking out in a pinch-hit appearance the next night, Bay belted his first home run of the year as part of a 3-for-4 afternoon against the Redbirds on May 5.

Prior to Monday's announcement, Bay was already recognized as the senior circuit's top rookie by The Sporting News and with the Players Choice Award, which is voted on by his MLB peers.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from November 8, 2004


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