Honorees Recognized Prior to Sunday’s Game
Prior to Sunday evening’s game, the International League South Division Champion Durham Bulls recognized the winners of the 2014 Goodmon Awards. The 21st Annual Goodmon Awards, named for Capitol Broadcasting Company CEO Jim Goodmon, acknowledge Bulls players for their contributions to the success of the team both on and off the field.
Outfielder Mikie Mahtook has been selected as the team’s MVP in his first season at the Triple-A level. The 2011 First-Round draft pick has set career-highs in home runs (12) and doubles (33) this season, while he was selected to the International League Midseason All-Star team and 2014 Triple-A Home Run Derby. Mahtook has appeared in a team-high 127 games, split between all three outfield positions, while leading the team in doubles, hits (138), triples (6) and RBIs (68). The 24-year-old is also the recipient of the Community Service award. The Louisiana State product has been active in Bulls charitable appearances all season long, participating in Kids’ Camps, promoting active and healthy lifestyles, and speaking engagements with the Drug-Free Junior Bulls Kids Club.
In his third season with the Bulls, left-hander Adam Liberatore has been selected as Durham’s Pitcher of the Year. The reliever has been dominant out of the bullpen all season long, tying a career-high with six wins while posting a 1.71 ERA. The southpaw, who has set a career-high with 52 appearances this season, recently saw a career-long 18 2/3 scoreless inning streak come to an end, while posting a miniscule 0.82 ERA since June 8th. Liberatore has struck out 84 batters in 63.0 innings while walking just 15 this season, and leads all Triple-A relievers in fewest baserunners per nine innings at 8.43.
The 2014 Goodmon Award for Team Spirit goes to Ray Olmedo. The 33-year-old fan favorite is in his third stint in a Durham uniform after playing for the Bulls in the 2009 Triple-A National Championship campaign and again in 2011. The infielder, known for his relaxed nature and veteran presence, has appeared at third base, shortstop, second base, first base, left field and right field for the Bulls in 2014.
The Durham Bulls concluded the 2014 regular season with two games against the Norfolk Tides on Sunday evening at 5:05 p.m. and Monday afternoon at 1:05 p.m. Tickets for the first round of the 2014 Governors’ Cup Playoffs at the DBAP on September 5, are available at durhambulls.com, by phone at 919.956.BULL, and at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park box office.
Thanks to DBBC’s Scott Carter for this capcom story & photo.
