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Bulls Lead Minors with Seven Year-End MiLBY Award Nominations
International League Champs Nominated as MiLB.com’s Team of the Year |
The International League Champion Durham Bulls have been nominated for seven MiLBYs, MiLB.com’s annual postseason awards. Durham leads all Minor League clubs with those seven nods, including Team of the Year, Best Play, and Best Home Run. Winners will be determined by online fan voting at MiLB.com, which began on Oct 3 and runs through October 22.
TEAM OF THE YEAR – After leading professional baseball in wins for most of 2013, the Bulls capped a historic campaign with their 4th Governors’ Cup since 2002. The IL’s best team in the regular season won six of seven playoff games en route to bringing the league title back to the Bull City.
PLAY OF THE YEAR – While battling Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on May 31, Tim Beckham looked like he was going to be out at home on a throw from center. Then, he turned into the Human Joystick and juked his way around the catcher before finally touching home safely. Watch Beckham’s amazing run HERE.
HOME RUN OF THE YEAR (Myers, Albernaz) – Two Bulls are up for 2013’s Best Homer. AL Rookie of the Year candidate Wil Myers hit 27 homers between Triple-A Durham and the Majors this season, but this monster blast for the Bulls may have been his most impressive. Not to be outdone, Durham legend Craig Albernaz knocked a Grand Slam off the famous Snorting Bull for his first career Triple-A homer in one of the most memorable moments in DBAP history.
RELIEF PITCHER OF THE YEAR (Lueke, Yates) – One half of Durham’s superb closing duo, Josh Lueke may have been the best in the International League. He tied for fifth in saves while fanning 81 batters over 57 1/3 innings. The other half of Durham’s closing tandem, Kirby Yates was named the Rays’ best Minor League reliever after closing out 20 games and racking up an incredible 93 strikeouts.
PHOTO OF THE YEAR – Durham Bulls ace Jake Odorizzi watches a butterfly float by the mound before a start against Rochester at the DBAP on August 7, 2013. View the photo by MiLB.com’s Kevin Pataky HERE.
The International League Champion Durham Bulls begin their Governors’ Cup title defense at the DBAP on April 3, 2014 against the Gwinnett Braves. Durham Bulls Athletic Park, home of the 2014 Triple-A All-Star Game, is in the midst of a $15 million renovation project. Season ticket and mini plan packages for the 2014 season are on sale now.
Thanks to DBBC’s Scott Carter for this capcom story & graphic.
