The Buffalo Bisons announced their 2011 Season award winners last week.
M.V.P. AWARD
It’s been a big week for Buffalo 1st baseman, Valentino Pascucci. After being named the Bisons’ 2011 M.V.P., he received his first big league call-up since 2004, when he played 32 games for the Montreal Expos. Pascucci, a fan favorite in Buffalo, led the team in Games 130, Runs 58, Hits 117, 2B’s 29, HR’s 21, RBI’s 91, Walks 76, TB’s 211 and Strikeouts 149, this year.
WARREN SPAHN AWARD
Chris Schwinden was named 2011 Bisons Most Valuable Pitcher and was likewise called up to the big club to make his big league debut in the Mets double-header with Atlanta this Thursday. Schwinnie led the Herd in GS 26, IP 145.2 and K’s 134, and tied for the club lead in victories with 8 wins. Overall, he went 8-8 with a 3.95 ERA, and the league hit .250 off him.
JUDGE MICHAEL DILLON AWARD
Bison LHP Justin Hampson was the Comeback Player of the Year for Buffalo. After undergoing two seasons marred by injury, Hampson is once again 100% healthy, and was one of the Herd’s best relievers all season. He was second on the club in appearances with 51, 1st in Holds with 8, 1st batter out proficiency: 71%, 21 out of 27 Inherited Runners stranded, for a success rate of: 78%. For the year left-handed hitters batted only .211 against Hampson, with a total of 6 extra base hits. Overall he went 3-3 with a 3.47 ERA as a workhorse for Buffalo. In addition to the Comeback Player award, Justin also won the Frank J. “Fremo” Vallone Community Service Award, for his work in the community. Hampson’s major league totals are: 5 games with Colorado in 2006 where he picked up his first big league win. Then 2007 and 2008 with the San Diego Padres where he was: 4-4 with a 2.79 ERA, 53/26 K/BB ratio, in 84 IP combined.
MOST INSPIRATIONAL PLAYER AWARD
Went to catcher Raul Chavez, for his inspiring play, and love of the game. Chavez batted .199 with 1 HR and 22 RBI’s in 241 AB’s.
JIMMY GRIFFIN AWARD
The Hometown Hero Award goes to infielder Luis Figueroa. He was outstanding in front of the home fans at Coca-Cola Field all year long, going .304 in 48 games. Overall the switch-hitting SS batted .294 in 347 AB’s, 109 Hits, 54 Runs, 21 2B’s, 2 3B’s, 1 HR, 27 RBI’s and a .348 OBP.
