Koonce Named PCL's Most Valuable Player

August 28, 2003 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Sacramento River Cats News Release

WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The Pacific Coast League today named Sacramento River Cats first baseman Graham Koonce its "Most Valuable Player" for the 2003 season. The award, presented annually, is voted upon by the managers and media of the 16 PCL clubs.

"Graham has had an exceptional season -- his offensive numbers speak for themselves," River Cats manager Tony DeFrancesco said. "He has been the anchor in the middle of our lineup all year, and he is the perfect power hitter - he drives in runs when the team needs them, and he leads the club in walks."

Koonce, 28, is batting .276 (129-for-468) with 31 HR and 109 RBI in 134 games. He established new club records for home runs (31), runs batted in (109) and bases on balls (95) in a season. Koonce is tied for the PCL and Minor League Baseball lead with 31 HR, leads the league with 109 RBI and is among the PCL's top five with a .402 on-base percentage and .528 slugging percentage.

Koonce was originally selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 60th round of the June 1993 Draft. The Oakland A's acquired him from the San Diego Padres in the 2001 Rule 5 (Minor League) Draft. In 1,065 career minor league games, Koonce is batting ..276 (1,005-for-3,639) with 130 HR and 610 RBI.

Earlier this week, the PCL named River Cats shortstop Bobby Crosby its 2003 "Rookie of the Year" and River Cats right-handed pitcher Justin Duchscherer its 2003 "Pitcher of the Year." The league will announce its "Manager of the Year" later today.

Koonce is the second River Cats player to receive the league's "Most Valuable Player" award. Jose Ortiz won the award during the team's inaugural season (2000) in Sacramento.

Last week, the River Cats clinched the PCL's South Division for the third time in four seasons, securing a playoff spot. Sacramento will begin the postseason Sept. 3-4 on the road -- returning home Sept. 5-7 to complete the best-of-five series. Tickets for all River Cats home games (including postseason games) are available at the Raley Field Ticket Office, on the internet at www.rivercats.com and at all Tickets.com outlets (select Raley's & Bel Air stores). Fans can also purchase tickets by phone at 916-371-HITS.

Pacific Coast League Stories from August 28, 2003

• Memphis Redbirds Unveil 2004 Home Schedule - Memphis Redbirds
• Missions finally get to Qualls, Express - Round Rock Express
• Williams Puts Up More Zeros In 5-0 Victory - Nashville Sounds
• Koonce Named River Cats' 2003 MVP - Sacramento River Cats
• DeFrancesco Named PCL's Manager of the Year - Sacramento River Cats
• Final 2003 Rainiers Homestand, Fireworks and Food Drive - Tacoma Rainiers
• Koonce Named PCL's Most Valuable Player - Sacramento River Cats
• Express closing in on attendance record - again - Round Rock Express
• Sox Bats Come Alive in 12-11 Win in Iowa - Colorado Springs Sky Sox
• Expos purchase LHP Vic Darensbourg, option LHP Eric Knott to Edmonton - Edmonton Trappers
• Graham Koonce Named PCL MVP - PCL1
• RedHawks bidding for .500 or better finish - Oklahoma City Comets
• RedHawks close 2003 season with more giveaways - Oklahoma City Comets
• Gettis does in Express - Round Rock Express
• Never Say Die Trappers Win Fourth Straight - Edmonton Trappers
• Time Running Out on Beavers - Portland Beavers
• River Cats match club record with 90th win - Sacramento River Cats
• No-Hit Bid Ends with Three Sacramento Homers - Tucson Sidewinders

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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