Montanez Wins Triple Crown
Published on September 3, 2008 under Eastern League (EL1) News Release
Portland, ME - Bowie Baysox outfielder Lou Montanez became the first player in over 30 years to win the Eastern League Triple Crown, as he finished as the league leader in both batting average (.335) and home runs (26) and tied for the league lead in RBI (97). Montanez, who is a native of Bayamon, Puerto Rico, accomplished this feat despite not playing for the Baysox over the final 24 games of the regular season following a promotion to the Baltimore Orioles. In addition to leading the league in those three categories, the 26-year old also finished atop the Eastern League in runs scored (90), extra-base hits (63), slugging percentage (.601) and OPS (.986). Lou won numerous awards for his performance with the Baysox this season, including being selected as the Eastern League MVP and being chosen as an outfielder on the 2008 Eastern League All-Star Team.
The 6'2", 200 lb. slugger made his first career Major League start on August 6th against the Los Angeles Angles of Anaheim and hit a home run in his first career Major League at bat. In 20 games with the Orioles this season, Montanez is batting .352 (19-for-54) with three doubles, one home run, 12 runs scored, seven RBI and three walks.
Lou becomes just the fifth player in the history of the Eastern League to win the Triple Crown and the first since the 1976 season. The other four Eastern League Triple Crown winners are Danny Thomas of the 1976 Berkshire Brewers, George Scott of the 1965 Pittsfield Red Sox, Bob Chance of the 1963 Charleston Indians and Joe Munson of the 1925 Harrisburg Senators.
Eastern League Triple Crown Winners
Player Team Year Avg HR RBI
Joe Munson Harrisburg Senators 1925 .400 33 129
Bob Chance Charleston Indians 1963 .343 26 114
George Scott Pittsfield Red Sox 1965 .319 25 94
Danny Thomas Berkshire Brewers 1976 .325 29 83
Lou Montanez Bowie Baysox 2008 .335 26 97
Eastern League Stories from September 3, 2008
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- Trenton Takes Game One 2-1 Over Portland - Trenton Thunder
- Dogs Fall In Game One, 2-1 At Trenton - Portland Sea Dogs
- Montanez Wins Triple Crown - EL1
- Aeros Media Notes - Akron RubberDucks
- Sea Dogs and Thunder Set for Eastern League Northern Division Series - Portland Sea Dogs
- Sea Dogs Set Playoff Roster - Portland Sea Dogs
- Baysox Look To Finish Record-Breaking Season - Chesapeake Baysox
- MiLB remains popular in Reading, nationally - Reading Fightin Phils
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