Schwartz League Blog

Albert Pujols of the Chesaning Indians has been named League MVP for the 2007 season. Pujols hit .327 with 54 homeruns and 170 RBI, helping the Indians to win 110 games and set a new Schwartz League record for most wins by a team in a single season. The previous record was held by the 1997 Poopis Power Club, and the 1999 Pink Flamingos team. Pujols 54 homeruns was more than any player hit in 2006, the most last year was 49 by Andruw Jones from the Belin Diamond Jaxx. Albert was surpassed by teammate Frank Thomas who hit an amazing 57 homeruns. Thomas finished just behind Pujols in the MVP voiting as he was not quite as prolific though he hit .283 and drove in 137 runs during the season.

Carlos Zambrano, pitcher for the Springfield Isotopes, has been awarded the Cy Young award for the 2007 season as the league's best pitcher. Zambrano won 24 games and lost 8 while recording a 2.82 earned run average over 36 starts. His 10.8 baserunners per nine innings ranks among the very best in the league and he was stingy at allowing homeruns as he gave up less than 1 homerun per nine innings pitched.

Gold Glove Awards were earned by the following players by position:

P - Greg Maddux (NEV)
C - Russell Martin (LAK)
1b - Mark Teixeira (SPR)
2b - Orlando Hudson (ELM)
3b - Mike Lowell (ALB)
SS - Derek Jeter (CHE)
OF - Carlos Beltran (AKR)
OF - Andruw Jones (ELM)
OF - Torii Hunter (CHE)

Silver Slugger Selections were awarded as well and the recipients are listed by position:

C - Joe Mauer (TBY)
1b - Albert Pujols (CHE)
2b - Chase Utley (SAS)
3b - David Wright (SAS)
SS - Bill Hall (NEV)
LF - Alfonso Soriano (TBY)
CF - Carlos Beltran (AKR)
RF - Bobby Abreu (DEP)

Todd Jones of the Iowa City Chiefs was awarded the Rolaids Relief Award as voted by the Schwartz News. Jones earned the award after recording 44 saves for the Chiefs. Though they did not make the playoffs, Jones helped the Iowa City pitching staff to give the team a respectable 2007 season. Iowa City got out of the gate pretty well in the spring but faltered in May and June winning only 21 of 45 games. Though the team had it's troubles, Jones was one bright spot on the team and earned this award.

Craig Giles has been named Manager of the Year by the Schwartz News. Giles' Akron Aeros team won the Dark Helmet West division by 16 games with a total of 102 wins. Though they lost in the playoffs, the Aeros finished with a great season and Giles was recognized by the Schwartz News for the success of his team in 2007.