West Wins NL Batting Title
Published on September 6, 2010 under Northern League (NL)
Winnipeg Goldeyes News Release
For the first time since 1998, a member of the Winnipeg Goldeyes has won the Northern League's batting title.
Goldeyes infielder Kevin West had a Northern League-best .337 average this season to win the batting title. He's the first Goldeye to do so since Brian Duva in 1998.
"It's a nice accomplishment on a personal level," West said. "It would be better if we were still playing in playoffs, so it's a little bittersweet that way."
West ended the season on a four-game hitting streak and batted .391 in August to climb at top the close race, as teammate Juan Diaz finished just two points behind him with a .335 average.
On the season, West tallied 129 hits, which was third in the Northern League, while adding nine home runs and 70 RBI. Once he was on base, West had a team-best 20 stolen bases.
West was one of only two Goldeyes to play all 99 games this season. After starting the season in the outfield, West played much of the second half at first and second base. Overall, he played 38 games at first base, 37 in right field, 19 at second base and 5 in centre field.
This is the fourth time a member of the Goldeyes has won the NL's batting title. In addition to Duva winning it in 1998, Terry Lee won it in 1995 and 1997.
It's only the second time in Northern League history that the batting title has been won with an average lower than .340. Last season, Jeremiah Piepkorn of the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks claimed the title with a .339 average.
Northern League Stories from September 6, 2010
- RailCats Close Regular Season with 11-0 Loss in Joliet - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- New Tradition: Joliet Takes First I-80 Series Trophy - Joliet JackHammers
- Fielders End 2010 Season in Fashion with 5-4 Walk Off-Win - Lake County Fielders
- West Wins NL Batting Title - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- T-Bones Drop Regular-Season Finale, 9-6 - Kansas City Monarchs
- JackHammers Host Fan Appreciation Night - Joliet JackHammers
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.
