Every June, around 50 former Valley Leaguers are drafted into pro organizations. The vast majority of these players, after signing, are assigned to short-season leagues (the Northwest and New York-Penn Leagues) or rookie leagues (Pioneer League, Appalachian League, Gulf Coast League and Arizona League). Unlike 2014, for the 2015 awards, I have separated the two- short-season A ball, and rookie ball.
2014 Winner: Logan Moon (Winchester 2012)
2015 Winner: Orlando Olivera (Luray 2011-12)
Out of Missouri Baptist, Orlando Olivera was not drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals until the 38th round of the 2015 draft. But when he was assigned to State College, in the New York-Penn League, he crushed the ball all season long, ending up ATVL’s short season A-ball hitter of the year!
Orlando was actually originally assigned to a lower level- the Gulf Coast League- but after only 10 games he was promoted a level. At State College, he hit a total of 347/397/521 in 42 games and 144 at-bats, along with 20 runs, 24 RBIs, 8 doubles, a triple, 5 home runs, and an 11/20 BB/K ratio.
Congratulations, Orlando!
Others to Consider
Alex Fernandez (Staunton 2012)- 277/367/399, 21 runs, 14 RBIs, 7 doubles, 1 triple, 3 home runs, 6 stolen bases, 18/50 BB/K ratio for Batavia
Pat Porter (New Market 2012)- 245/322/402, 24 runs, 20 RBIs, 15 doubles, 4 triples, 3 home runs, 17/59 BB/K ratio for Tri-City
