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Bulls Win International League Honors |
Carl Crawford |
Lee Gardner |
The International League (IL) announced its post-season All-Star team and award winners on Wednesday, August 28, 2002, and two Durham Bulls were among the recipients. The League named Bulls outfielder Carl Crawford Rookie of the Year and selected Bulls pitcher Lee Gardner as relief pitcher on the All-Star team.
As Rookie of the Year, Crawford was one of four special award recipients. He currently plays for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the Major Leagues. Durhing his 85 games with the Bulls, Crawford his .297 with 33 extra-base hits, 52 RBI and 26 stolen bases. His selection marks the fourth straight season a Durham Bull has taken home an IL special award. In 1999, Steve Cox brought home the MVP honors, while Toby Hall took the same award two years later. The League selected Bull Aubrey Huff as Rookie of the Year in 2000.
Crawford ranked among League leaders in triples (9) and stolen bases (26) and had set a career-high with 7 HR at the time of his promotion to Tampa Bay. The Houston native was selected to play in both the Triple-A All-Star Game and All-Star Futures Game in July.
Gardner also currently plays with Tampa Bay. His selection as relief pitcher on the All-Star team comes as he is one of three IL relievers tied for the League lead with 25 saves.
IL managers, coaches, media and club representatives select the honors at the end of each season.
