TL1 Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Former Natural Slugger Kila Kaaihue Named Texas League Player of the Year

Published on August 25, 2008 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release


Northwest Arkansas Naturals first baseman Kila Kaaihue, has been named the Texas League Player of the Year. Kaaihue won the award in the Naturals inaugural season. He was promoted on July 29th to Triple-A Omaha after hitting .314 with the Naturals with 26 homeruns and 79 RBI in 91 games.

Kaaihue, the 24-year old Hawaii native, was also named to the Texas League post-season all-star team. As of August 25th Kaahiue ranks among the top 10 in seven Texas League Offensive Categories. He leads the league in homeruns, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and on-base plus slugging percentage.

In July, his final month as a Natural, Kaaihue finished strong, hitting .400, with a .536 on-base percentage and a .788 slugging percentage. He walked 25 times, striking out just 12 times, scored 26 runs and drove in 31, earning him Texas League Player of the Month and a promotion to Triple-A.

Naturals' starting pitcher Dan Cortes also was named to the Texas League post-season team. Cortes this year is 9-4 with a 3.98 ERA in 22 starts this year. He currently leads the team in strikeouts with 106 in 110 and 2/3 innings of work, allowing 51 runs (49 of which were earned).

Frisco Manager, Scott Little, was named the Manager of the Year. Midland's starting pitcher, Vincent Mazzaro, was named Pitcher of the Year.

In 25 games with Omaha, Kaaihue is currently batting .341 with nine homeruns and 17 runs driven in.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The Naturals have a toll-free ticket hotline (1-877-444-2637) for fans to purchase Naturals tickets. Our website also offers fans the opportunity to purchase tickets online and avoid lines at the ticket windows by printing their tickets at home or at the office.

Check out the Northwest Arkansas Naturals Statistics

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Texas League Stories from August 25, 2008


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