Again, in 2014, I folded this category into the short-season A level. This year, the rookie level, including the Appalachian League, Pioneer League, Gulf Coast League, and Arizona League have their own awards.

2015 Winner: Patrick Mazeika (Waynesboro 2013)

In a photo finish, the rookie hitter of the year is former Waynesboro General Patrick Mazeika. Patrick, an 8th round pick of the New York Mets in the 2015 draft, hit 354/451/540 in 62 games and 226 at-bats. He scored 44 runs, knocked in 48, and hit 27 doubles, 5 home runs, and finished with a 24/26 BB/K ratio. Patrick is rightfully showing up on Mets’ top prospect lists after that short season.

Others to Consider

James Vasquez (Staunton 2013-14): A close second to Mazeika after hitting 359/415/669 in 142 at-bats in the Gulf Coast League. Eleven doubles, 3 triples, 9 home runs, 36 RBIs, 15/25 BB/K ratio

AJ Murray (Harrisonburg 2012): 264/366/409, 11 doubles, 4 home runs, 22/41 BB/K ratio in 159 at-bats for Elizabethton

Anthony Dimino (Covington 2013): 295/380/343, 5 doubles, 15/16 BB/K in 105 at-bats in the GCL (Mets)

Jerry Downs (Winchester 2014): 275/399/382, 8 doubles, 2 home runs, 23/27 BB/K in GCL (Red Sox)

Steven Karkenny (Woodstock 2013): 244/330/421, 53 runs, 18 doubles, 3 triples, 8 home runs, 43 RBIs, 33/64 BB/K for Helena

Jason Morozoski (Staunton 2013): 292/369/479, 37 runs, 15 doubles, 6 triples, 6 home runs, 41 RBIs, 28/48 BB/K for Missoula

Andy Perez (Harrisonburg 2013): 355/431/409, 14 runs, 3 doubles, a triple, 12/8 BB/K in GCL (Red Sox)