Former Wild Things pitcher Foss gets honor
Trevor Foss hasn’t played in a game with the Wild Things for almost a month, but the pitcher still garnered a spot on the Frontier League’s end-of-season all-star team.
The league announced its annual awards and all-star team Thursday.
Foss was the lone starting pitcher named to the team and the only representative from Washington on the squad. Foss, who had his contract purchased by the Cleveland Indians last month, was having a stellar year in his first season with Washington. He had an 8-3 record, 2.50 ERA and franchise-record eight complete games.
He is currently playing for Lake County of the Class A South Atlantic League and has a 3-3 record in six starts. Foss has issued only three walks in 35 1/3 innings with the Captains.
In an odd twist, Foss wasn’t named the Frontier League’s Pitcher of the Year. That honor, and the Brian Tollberg Award, goes to Joliet’s Liam O’Sullivan (11-1, 3.33). Sullivan was not on the all-star team.
Evansville second baseman Josh Allen was named the league’s Most Valuable Player and will receive the Morgan Burkhart Award. Allen is second in the league with a .350 batting average and first in doubles (30) and triples (9). He also has 28 stolen bases, which is tied for fourth.
Southern Illinois outfielder Shane Kennedy was chosen as the Rookie of the Year. Kennedy, who played his college baseball at Clemson, has helped the Miners to the West Division title by batting .345 with 22 doubles and is second in the league with 34 stolen bases.
The all-star team includes River City catcher Mike Jurgella, first baseman Aaron Dudley, shortstop Santiago Chirino and outfielder Nolan Meadows of Normal, Kennedy, third baseman Steve Marino and designated hitter Craig Massey of Southern Illinois, Florence outfielder Andrew Godbold and Evansville relief pitcher Randy McCurry.
Jeff Isom of East Division champion Joliet will receive the Roger Hanners Award as the league’s top manager. Gateway pitching coach Randy Martz won the Darren Bush Award (Coach of the Year).
The Wild Things were honored with the Commissioner’s Award of Excellence for their corporate sales effort and in-game entertainment.
“The Wild Things annually lead the Frontier League in corporate sales, and their interaction between the Wild Things mascot, their fans, PA announcer Bill DiFabio, their on-field emcees and the video production staff provides the best entertainment in the league,” said Frontier League deputy commissioner Steve Tahsler.
The Observer-Reporter was named the Newspaper of the Year by the league and O-R sports editor Chris Dugan was selected Writer of the Year.
The Schaumburg Boomers were named the Organization of the Year and Windy City’s Mike Lucas the Executive of the Year.