CarL1 Wilmington Blue Rocks

Hosmer Named Special Achievement Award Winner

Published on November 1, 2011 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Wilmington Blue Rocks News Release


Kansas City, MO - The Kansas City Royals have announced that rookie first baseman and former Wilmington Blue Rock Eric Hosmer was selected as the 2011 Joe Burke Special Achievement Award winner. The award was voted on by the Kansas City Chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA). The Joe Burke is awarded to an unsung player who contributed above and beyond what was expected, or someone who the writers felt deserved some recognition for an outstanding season.

Hosmer, who turned 22 on October 24, began the 2011 season with Triple-A Omaha before making his Major League debut on May 6. The Royals first-round selection (third overall) in 2008 hit .293 (153-for-523) with 27 doubles, three triples, 19 home runs, 78 RBIs and 66 runs scored. He led all qualified MLB rookies (min. 3.1 PA/game) in batting average, go-ahead RBIs (26) and game-winning RBIs (13). Hosmer also paced A.L. rookies in hits, runs and multi-hit games (42) while ranking second in RBIs, doubles, total bases (243) and extra-base hits (49), third in home runs, walks (34) and slugging (.465), and fourth in on-base percentage (.334). The July A.L. Rookie of the Month either tied the game or given the Royals the lead on 12 of his 19 home runs.

Hosmer starred for the 2009 and 2010 Blue Crew. His tenure was highlighted by becoming the first Blue Rock to ever win the Carolina League batting title in 2010. His 2009 squad led the loop with 84 victories before falling to the eventual Mills Cup champion Lynchburg Hillcats in the Northern Division Championship Series. Hosmer played a pivotal role in that series going a full five games with his extra-inning walk-off homer in Game 3.

The Royals plan to announce the 2011 Les Milgram Player of the Year tomorrow and the 2011 Bruce Rice Pitcher of the Year on Thursday, November 3.

The Blue Rocks' 2012 season gets underway on Friday, April 6 in Myrtle Beach, SC against the Pelicans (Texas Rangers). Frawley Stadium lights the lights for the 2012 home opener on Friday, April 13 when the Blue Crew hosts the Frederick Keys (Baltimore Orioles). For ticket information, please call 302-888-BLUE or visit bluerocks.com. Season tickets are on sale now and the team's 2012 schedule is available online.

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Carolina League Stories from November 1, 2011


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