Annual awards recognize four Bulls players for outstanding seasons
Prior to the Durham Bulls’ final home game of the regular season on Sunday, the team recognized the winners of the 2017 Goodmon Awards. The 24th annual Goodmon Awards, named for Capitol Broadcasting President and CEO Jim Goodmon, acknowledge Bulls players for their contributions to the success of the team both on and off the field.
Infielder/outfielder Patrick Leonard has been selected as the team’s Most Valuable Player, ranking third in the International League with 130 hits in his second season at the Triple-A level. Further, the 24-year-old leads the team with 66 RBI, ranks second with 121 games played, is tied for second with 29 doubles, and ranks third with 11 home runs.
25-year-old Ryan Yarbrough is the team’s Pitcher of the Year, holding a mark of 13-6 with a 3.51 ERA. In his first year at the Triple-A level, the left-hander leads the IL with 151 strikeouts, is tied for the league lead with 13 wins, is second in the IL with 151 1/3 innings pitched and is tied for second on the circuit with 25 starts. A year after he was named the Double-A Southern League’s Pitcher of the Year, Yarbrough has gone 10-3 with a 3.02 ERA since June 1.
Infielder Jake Hager has been selected for the Goodmon Award for Team Spirit. Despite missing over a month because of a leg injury, the 24-year-old has still appeared in 69 games, making at least 14 starts at second base, shortstop and third base. The Team Spirit award is presented annually to the player who most consistently exhibits a good attitude on and off the field.
In his first season with the Bulls, RHP Brent Honeywell has been selected as the recipient of the Community Service award. The 22-year-old worked various baseball camps throughout the summer at the ballpark, and was a constant presence for fans before and after games.
Thanks to DBBC’s Matt Sutor for this capcom story & graphic.
