Kevin Witt named International League MVP
Published on August 29, 2006 under International League (IL1)
Durham Bulls News Release
Durham, NC - The International League today announced Bulls first baseman Kevin Witt was voted the Most Valuable Player in the league this season. He becomes the third Bull to win the award since Durham joined the IL in 1998, joining catcher Toby Hall (2001) and first baseman Steve Cox (1999).
The 30-year-old first baseman made quite an impact on Triple-A Baseball after playing in just 25 games last season, all in the Japanese Central League. Witt, who was the International League's Player of the Game at the Triple-A All-Star Game in July, dominated IL pitching this season with numbers unmatched by any of his peers. His 36 home runs are 9 better than the rest of the League; his 99 RBI best the entire field by 11; his .577 slugging percentage is 41 points ahead of the pack. He also leads the IL with 82 runs scored and 66 extra-base hits. Witt has played in 130 Major League games in his career with Toronto, San Diego, Detroit, and now Tampa Bay after being recalled Friday. Witt previously made the International League post-season All-Star team in 2002 while with Louisville, when he led the IL with 107 RBI.
Witt and Bulls outfielder Darnell McDonald were also elected to the league's post-season all-star team. McDonald emerged this season from the shadows of several high-profile teammates to establish himself as one of the International League's top outfielders. The 27-year-old leads the IL with 150 base hits, and is tied for third with 79 runs scored. McDonald signed with Tampa Bay as a free agent last June, just five days after being released by the Cleveland organization. McDonald has played in 131 games in 2006, the second highest total in the IL.
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