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The 2014 season was noteworthy in more ways than one; it showed more promise and growth then previous seasons. Records were broken and new ones were set. The talent level league wide continues to expand and change and the players signing with the Futures League continue to be better than ever. With 24 players being drafted by MLB teams and additional 4 signing after the draft, it’s no surprise that the parity in the league caused the closest playoff race the league has ever seen, since its creation in 2011. Without further ado, the reason for such parity and talent, the recipients of the 2014 FCBL End of Year Awards.
Most Valuable Player and Batting Champion:
MIKE ODENWAELDER
- The Most Valuable Player Award needs no explanation; however, the Batting Champion is given to the player with the highest batting average at the end of the regular season. Mike Odenwaelder was the recipient of both of these awards. Odenwaelder’s line for the season featured: .370 Average, 30 Runs Scores, 67 Hits, 16 Doubles, 7 Home Runs, 49 RBI, .586 Slugging Percentage, .422 On Base Percentage, and 43.39 Runs Created.
Top Pitcher:
MATT QUINTANA
- Matt Quintana is the recipient of the Top Pitcher for a few reasons, but mainly because he was unhittable. Quintana finished the season at 6-1 over 56 innings pitched. He gave up only 8 Earned Runs to give him an ERA of 1.29. He finished with the highest strikeout total in the league at 65. Quintana’s Batting Average Against was .181 and his WHIP was .77.
Top Pro Prospect:
WILL TOFFEY
- At 6 feet 2 inches tall and 200 lbs. as a freshman, Will Toffey certainly presents the physical attributes to become a big time pro ball player. He also has the statistics and gameplay to back it up: .322 Average, 47 Runs, 48 Hits, 11 Doubles, 7 Home Runs, 30 RBI, 38 Walks, 11 Stolen Bases, .537 Slugging Percentage, .463 On Base Percentage, and 36.79 Runs Created. It’s no surprise that he chose one of the best baseball programs in the country at Vanderbilt to play college ball for. His skills and natural ability for the game were a reason why he was drafted in the 23rd by the New York Yankees.
Defensive Player of the Year:
ANDY LACK
- One of the reasons that the Worcester Bravehearts were one of the best teams in the league year round was due to their defensive play. It is well-known that defense wins championships and that theory rang true for the Bravehearts as they took home the title this season. Andy Lack led his team in the field and led the league on defense. His fielding percentage was .945; a large part of why he played in 47 games this season. Lack had 71 putouts and had 135 defensive assists. He also won the Finals MVP in the Championship Series between the Worcester Bravehearts and the Martha’s Vineyard Sharks.
Relief Pitcher of the Year:
JAMES VERNON
- It’s safe to say that when the Seacoast Mavericks were leading this season, and James Vernon came in, that lead was going to be held. In 33.1 innings pitched, Vernon gave up only 4 earned runs and 7 walks. His record was 4-1 with 9 saves. Vernon struck out 43 batters and had a miniscule ERA of 1.08. His batting average against was .184 with a WHIP of .91.
Manager of the Year:
BRYAN STARK
- Stark, in his first coaching stint with the Futures League, led the Brockton Rox to a 30-25 record; good for the second best team in the East. The Rox had the most wins in the league when they scored first (24). In the first month of the season, the Rox had a record of 15-8. In that span, they hit 11 HR, had a team average of .269, and an ERA of 2.691 (lowest in the league in June). The Brockton Rox also had the best road record in the league at 16-11. Stark showed poise, the ability to lead in high pressure situations, and received the utmost respect from his players, management, and around the league.
Best MLB Baseball Name:
SKIP FLANAGAN
- The Best Baseball Name is a new award that will be given annually to the player who has the best name in the league. At the FCBL Scout Day, MLB scouts rated Skip Flanagan (Rochester Institute of Technology) name as a 60 on the 20-80 scouting scale, indicating that he has a plus-plus name. That puts him in the company of other great baseball names such as Rollie Fingers, Mookie Wilson and Josh Booty.
Commissioner’s Award:
MATT MOTTOLA
- This award recognizes the individual who stands out by putting others before himself, to make his community and the rest of society a better place, the sacrifice to do good for others, and the betterment of mankind. Matt made it a priority to spend much of his down time giving back to the community and coordinating his teammates to get involved as well.
Adam Keenan Award:
ZACK SHORT
- is bestowed upon the player who exemplifies the outstanding attitude, character and sportsmanship that is synonymous with Adam Keenan’s legacy. Zack Short was the recipient of this prestigious award because he best displayed these characteristics both on and off the field. Short is not only a great baseball player, but a well-liked and respected young man who exemplifies everything the Futures League wants to portray.
