MVP Hails from Punxatawney--but its not Klesko November 28, 1997
Prior to the recent MVP balloting, the owners of the PVBL debated who should
get the Defiant League MVP. The main names tossed about were Steve Finley,
Jim Edmonds, Ryan Klesko, and Mark McGwire. Well, the voters apparently saw
things in a different light. Their selection was a player from the Riker
Champion Punxatawney Groundhogs. Most would think that Ryan Klesko, who
broke both the 50 homer and 150 RBI marks, would be the most deserving Hog.
Most would be wrong. Punxatawney shortstop Jose Valentin, an early season
acquisition (replacing Norberto Martin, who went on to bat .261 for the
Brooklyn Flaming Skulls), had a great season and was selected as the first
ever DL MVP. In just 130 games, due to a few injuries, Valentin hit a solid
.327 with 110 runs, 41 doubles, a triple, and 35 homers. He also drove in
88 runs in the 3rd and 5th spots in the order. He struck out only 23 more
times than he walked, an impressive total for a slugged. He created 124
runs with a .395 OBP, a .607 SLG, and 21 stolen bases while being caught
only 8 times. He also grounded into only 9 double plays, less than any
other starter. His fielding percentage was solid for a SS at .973.
So as one can see, Valentin did not have a record season in any one aspect.
He didn't rank in the top 10 of any category in the leaderboard, but was
nearly ranked in most of them. He didn't win a title, but he was strong in
many categories. He hit for average and power while also fielding well and
stealing over 20 bases.
Valentin himself was rather shocked by the annoucement. He was back home in
Puerto Rico when he got the call from team owner Dan Shapiro. "Jose was
shocked--he didn't expect to even get many votes. But the AP writers must
really like him. He says thanks to everyone out there and hopes he can have
an even better season this upcoming year," Shapiro said.
Well--so much for season 1. Its all in the recordbooks now--and its time
for season 2.
