This is the level that the subjects of allll the other posts wish to join. I had to pick one Valley League alumnus to be the hitter of the year, but just being mentioned on this list means everything in this world of competition.

So let’s take a look at the history of major league hitters of the year:

2018- Yonder Alonso (Luray 2006)
2017- Daniel Murphy (Luray 2004-05)
2016- Daniel Murphy (Luray 2004-05)
2015- Jason Kipnis (Covington 2006-07)
2014- Brett Gardner (New Market 2003-04)
2013- Jason Kipnis (Covington 2006-07)
2012- Jon Jay (Staunton 2004)
2011- Gaby Sanchez (Staunton 2003)
2010- Gaby Sanchez (Staunton 2003)

Brett Gardner takes home his second award with his outstanding 2019 season. He hit .251/.325/.503 in 491 at-bats for the AL-East winning New York Yankees, along with 26 doubles, seven triples, 28 home runs, 86 runs scored, 74 RBIs, 52 walks, and 10 stolen bases. He led the major league hitting crew in WAR by a significant margin, even with quite a bit of it from his defense.

Others to Consider

  • Dan Murphy (Luray 2004-05), for Colorado: .279/.328/.452 in 438 at-bats, with 35 doubles, 13 home runs, and 78 RBIs
  • Jason Kipnis (Covington 2006-07), for Cleveland: .245/.304/.410 in 458 at-bats, with 23 doubles, 17 home runs, 65 RBIs, and 40 walks
  • Tommy La Stella (Haymarket 2009), for the Los Angeles Angels: .295/.346/.486 in 292 at-bats, with 16 home runs, 44 RBIs, and 20 walks
  • Michael Brosseau (Waynesboro 2015), for Tampa Bay: .273/.319/.462 in 132 at-bats, with seven doubles, six home runs, and seven walks.

Remember, you can read more about Brett, the rest of these players, and much much more in the 2019 Valley League Annual!

Brett Gardner NY YAnkees