Oct. 20, 2009
YAKIMA, Wash. - Former Lion Ryan Wheeler (2007-09) has been named the 2009 Arizona Diamondbacks Minor League Position Player of the Year, it was announced on Monday. Billy Buckner from the AAA Reno Aces was named the Pitcher of the Year in the organization. Chris Pettit, who made his Major League debut this past season, was the last LMU player to be named a Minor League Player of the Year, earning the distinction in the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim organization in 2007.
Wheeler, the 156th overall pick in the fifth round this past June, was assigned to the Yakima Bears out of the 2009 amateur draft. The star first baseman led the Bears with a .363 batting average. Wheeler's 28 extra base hits resulted in a .538 slugging percentage. He tied the Bears franchise record for on base percentage with a .461 mark. With only 5 errors in 64 games, Wheeler showed how valuable his defense is as well.
"Ryan Wheeler is the best player I have seen come through Yakima," added Bears general manager, K.L. Wombacher. "Even though it is early in his career and anything can happen, I can see Ryan becoming an impact player in the Major Leagues very soon. We couldn't be happier for him to receive this well deserved recognition."
Before being drafted, Wheeler, a 2009 Wallace Watch List player and an All-WCC selection, finished his junior year as the team-leader in doubles with 20 and hit-by-pitches with 12. His .547 slugging percentage, .427 on base percentage, 48 RBI, 74 hits, 61 runs scored, three triples, nine home runs, 33 walks, 127 total bases and five stolen bases all ranked second on the team. In conference games alone, he batted .337 with 17 runs scored, six doubles, two triples, three home runs and 18 RBI. He slugged .566 and reached base at a .455 clip while swiping three bags on the bases. He collected 22 multiple-hit games to finish second on the team in that category, while also posting 14 multiple-RBI games. That mark, which included two three-RBI and two four-RBI games, also placed him second on the team. Also working hard in the classroom, Wheeler was named CoSIDA Academic All-District.
With over 200 players in the Diamondbacks farm system, Wheeler led all players in average, and on-base percentage. This is the first time since 1997 that a short season player has been named Minor League Player of the Year for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Release courtesy of the Yakima Bears - GO LIONS -
