Pelicans present awards to players and fans

Published on August 31, 2009 under American Association (AA)
Pensacola Pelicans News Release


The Pensacola Pelicans announced today the results of their team awards banquet from Sunday. The reception, held at Hopjacks Pizza Kitchen and Taproom, featured five player awards and two fan awards. The awards were selected by a vote of the players, and the results named Hunter Davis Pitcher of the Year and Pelicans Ambassador, Francisco Leandro Defensive Player of the Year, and Antoin Gray Offensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Pelican. Two fans were recognized as well: Barbara Tyce as Most Spirited Fan, and Gene Hooprich as Peli-Fan of the Year.

Gene Hooprich was named Peli-Fan of the Year by the Pensacola Pelicans for good reason: Gene not only has the best attendance at Pelicans games this season, but he has coordinated his trips to the concession stands and restroom with inning breaks. Gene Hooprich has not missed a single pitch in the 2009 Pelicans season. Hooprich was presented with an official Pelicans jersey with the number "09" on the back.

Barbara Tyce was named Most Spirited Fan for her part in cheering on the Pelicans this season. Not only did Barbara assist with Scoop's Reading Challenge, but she has also donned the persona of Scoop and represented the Pelicans' mascot faithfully. As with Hooprich, Tyce was presented an official Pelicans jersey, complete with number "09" on back.

Hunter Davis earned Pitcher of the Year for setting a Pelicans' record with 22 saves. The Pelicans closer tossed 40 strikeouts and posted a 1.79 ERA. A strong clubhouse presence, Davis was also awarded Pelicans Ambassador. Besides his humor and amusing actions in the clubhouse, Davis is also a web sensation, achieving YouTube fame with "Bee Sting Therapy". To-date, the video has 814 views.

Antoin Gray was a clear choice for Offensive Player of the year with a team-best 14 home runs and a .309 batting average. However, his RBI total of 84 ranked third in the league, and with the team's only grand slam of the year, Gray was also named Most Valuable Pelican.

Francisco Leandro was named Defensive Player of the year with his fantastic outfielding skills. Using his speed to chase down numerous balls hit in the gap, Leandro's glove is a place extra-base hits go to die.

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