IF Dustin Ackley Wins Joe Black MVP Award
Published on November 20, 2010 under Arizona Fall League (AzFL) News Release
Phoenix, Arizona - Peoria Javelinas second baseman Dustin Ackley (Mariners), the 2010 Arizona Fall League batting champion (.424) who leads his team into Saturday's championship game, has been voted recipient of the league's Joe Black Most Valuable Player Award, an honor voted by AFL managers and coaches.
"Dustin Ackley produced one of the most consistent offensive performances in the history of the Fall League," states AFL director Steve Cobb. "His ability was obvious a year ago when the Mariners also sent him to the Fall League to refne his skills against other top prospects just four months after making him the no. 2 pick in the 2009 draft. His development has been rapid. Combined with his leadership traits, Dustin's future is bright."
Besides leading the Fall League in hitting, the 22-year-old Winston-Salem, North Carolina native also led in runs (28), walks (26), on-base percentage (.581) and slugging percentage (.758). Additionally, he tied for third in extra-base hits (14).
Ackley appeared in the AFL's annual Rising Stars Game in 2009 and '10 and was the week four player-of-the-week this season.
In his frst full professional season in 2010, the 6 ¬"1, 185-pound Ackley hit .267 with 33 doubles, 7 home runs, 51 RBI and 79 runs between Double-A West Tennessee and Triple-A Tacoma. He helped lead the Rainiers to the Pacifc Coast League championship.
A three-time all-America at North Carolina as a collegian, Ackley holds the all-time College World Series hits record.
Other players receiving most valuable player votes were 1B Brandon Belt (Scorpions/Giants), RHP Travis Banwart (Desert Dogs/Athletics) and LHP Marc Rzepczynski (Javelinas/Blue Jays).
Joe Black MVP Award - The Arizona Fall League did not select an MVP during its frst 10 seasons. In 2002, the league created the Joe Black Most Valuable Player Award, named after former big league pitcher Joe Black, the 1952 National League rookie-of-the-year.
Arizona Fall League Joe Black Most Valuable Player Award Recipients
2010 - Dustin Ackley (Mariners), 2B, Peoria Javelinas
2009 - Grant Desme (Athletics), OF, Phoenix Desert Dogs
2008 - Tommy Hanson (Braves), RHP, Mesa Solar Sox
2007 - Sam Fuld (Cubs), OF, Mesa Solar Sox
2006 - Chip Cannon (Blue Jays), 1B, Phoenix Desert Dogs
2005 - Eric Duncan (Yankees), 3B, Grand Canyon Rafters
2004 - Chris Shelton (Tigers), DH, Grand Canyon Rafters
2003 - Jason Dubois (Cubs), OF, Mesa Solar Sox
2002 - Ken Harvey (Royals), 1B, Scottsdale Scorpions
Arizona Fall League Stories from November 20, 2010
- IF Dustin Ackley Wins Joe Black MVP Award - AzFL
- IF Steve Lombardozzi Wins Stenson Sportsmanship Award - AzFL
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