Wingnuts Chaved Named American Association's Top Rookie
Published on September 3, 2016 under American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
Wichita Wingnuts first baseman Matt Chavez was honored for the second time in the span of a week Saturday, as he was announced as the winner of the 2016 American Association Rookie of the Year award.
Chavez has had a huge first season with the Wingnuts, and with his .355 average, is just percentage points behind teammate Harrison Kain in the race for the American Association batting title with three games remaining in the regular season. The Burlingame, Calif., native has blasted 15 home runs in 65 games, including three multi-home efforts. Most recently, Chavez launched a pair of long balls against the Joplin Blasters on Wednesday, August 31 in an 8-3 win that sealed the South Division title for Wichita.
The former San Francisco Don has also driven in 60 for the year, and is one of four Wingnuts to have at least 60 runs batted in this season. Chavez has driven in four or more runs in a game four times, including a season-high five in another one of his multi-homer efforts, in a 16-0 win over the Texas AirHogs on August 28.
The 27-year old has also posted 21 doubles to go with his 15 home runs, helping him lead the league in slugging percentage at .618. Chavez also owns a top-five on-base percentage, as his .414 mark has him fifth in the league. Teammate T.J. Mittelstaedt paces the league in on-base percentage at .424.
The award is the third received by Chavez during the 2016 campaign, as he was also named the American Association's Player of the Week for the week of July 18-24, and the American Association Rawling's Player of the Month for August.
The Wingnuts continue their final regular season series tonight at 7:05 against the Laredo Lemurs at Uni-Trade Stadium.
American Association Stories from September 3, 2016
- Saints Win 1-0 to Claim Back-To-Back North Titles - St. Paul Saints
- Fiala Homers in 7-3 Victory over Kansas City - Sioux Falls Canaries
- Saints Win Pitching Showcase to Clinch North - Lincoln Saltdogs
- RailCats Shut out Blasters for Second Straight Game in 10-0 Win - Gary SouthShore Railcats
- Wingnuts at Laredo - Wichita Wingnuts
- Wingnuts Chaved Named American Association's Top Rookie - Wichita Wingnuts
- Abercrombie Named Inaugural "Man of the Year" - Winnipeg Goldeyes
- RailCats Deal Blasters Defeat in Final Series Opener - Joplin Blasters
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