There's no doubt in anyone's mind that he one of the most dominating pitchers in the league, but having come to Montreal from a trade involving Roberto Alomar, fans had yet to see the Big Unit in top form. In September, Johnson earned the EL Pitcher-of-the-Month, going 5-0, improving his record to 17-6, and striking out 42 in 52 innings pitched. Not only that, but in a span of 7 starts, going an average of 7 1/3 innings, Johnson let up only 4 earned runs.
The DL Pitcher-of-the-Month went to Springfield Atom Joey Hamilton, who went 6-0 over 7 starts. His ERA over that period was a meagre 1.39. Honourable mention went to Jack McDowell of the Spokane Pirates, who also went 6-0 and had an ERA of 1.46 in September.
McGwire Powers Spokane, Earns September POTM Award
Mark McGwire, true to his form, will end 1998 with another 50-plus home run season, thanks to a league-leading 17 home runs in September. McGwire also drove in 37 RBIs and batted 0.333 for the Pirates. Lance Johnson's September performance was also worth mentioning, after getting the POTM award in August. Johnson hit .405, scored 27 runs and lead the league in stolen bases with 17. Obviously, a timely trade for the Washington Sea Dogs, considering Johnson was batting under .300 before joining his new team.
In the EL, Ellis Burks of the Motor City Madmen was selected for POTM honours. Burks compiled a .406 batting average in September, driving in 22 runs and leading the league in Runs Created, with 34. Honourable mention went to Burks's teammate, Sammy Sosa, who hit 9 home runs and drove in 32 in September.
