IF Steve Lombardozzi Wins Stenson Sportsmanship Award
Published on November 20, 2010 under Arizona Fall League (AzFL) News Release
Phoenix, Arizona - Scottsdale Scorpions' infelder Steve Lombardozzi (Nationals) is the 2010 recipient of the Arizona Fall League's Dernell Stenson Sportsmanship Award.
The Fall League instituted the Stenson Award in 2004 in memory of former AFL player Dernell Stenson, who was killed in 2003 in Arizona during the AFL season. Stenson played for the Grand Canyon Rafters in 1998 and was playing for the Scottsdale Scorpions at the time of his death.
The award is presented annually to the Fall League player who best exemplifes unselfshness, hard work, and leadership. The manager and coaching staff from each of the six Fall League teams nominate one player for the award.
This year's other nominees were Peoria Javelinas frst baseman/designated hitter Koby Clemens (Astros), Surprise Rafters third baseman Zack Cox (Cardinals), Mesa Solar Sox frst baseman Ryan Flaherty (Cubs), Phoenix Desert Dogs outfelder Cory Harrilchak (Braves) and Peoria Saguaros infelder Kris Negron (Reds).
"Steve Lombardozzi really cares about playing baseball the right way," offers his Fall League manager Randy Knorr. "He runs every ball out and hustles on every play."
Fall League Director Steve Cobb adds, "Steve Lombardozzi epitomizes what a teammate should be and exemplifes the leadership qualities of Dernell Stenson. Steve never takes a play off and contributes to team chemistry with his dedication to baseball."
In addition to his character and leadership, the speedy 22-year-old Lombardozzi is a catalyst. He hit .293 in the Arizona Fall League this season with 8 doubles, 2 triples, 4 RBI, 16 R, .385 OBP, .439 SLG and .824 OPS in 21 games.
Lombardozzi split his 2010 regular season between High-A Potomac and Double-A Harrisburg, batting a collective .294. He was the Nationals' 19th-round draft choice in 2008.
Lombardozzi is the son of former major league infelder Steve Lombardozzi, who played six seasons with the Minnesota Twins and Houston Astros, appearing in the 1987 World Series with the Twins.
Dernell Stenson Award Recipients
2010 - Steve Lombardozzi (Nationals), IF, Scottsdale Scorpions
2009 - Russ Mitchell (Dodgers), 1B, Peoria Javelinas
2008 - Jason Donald (Phillies), IF, Mesa Solar Sox
2007 - Sam Fuld (Cubs), OF, Mesa Solar Sox
2006 - Kevin Frandsen (Giants), IF, Scottsdale Scorpions
2005 - Andre Ethier (Athletics), OF, Phoenix Desert Dogs
2004 - Mark Teahen (Royals), 3B, Phoenix Desert Dogs
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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