[AZTarHeel]

1917 Award Winners

Top Hurler Awards
Payson's right-hander Charley Hall was untouchable much of the season. The "Sea Lion" struck out 231 batters in 314 innings of work. His ERA was a stingy 2.01, and his record 26-8. He had 29 complete games and five shutouts. He ended up 1st in the Northern in ERA and 1st in wins. Hall, who also went 2-0 in the post-season, earned the award for the 2nd time in his 10-year career.

The 1917 Southern Top Hurler Award winner is from champion Tempe this year. Dave Davenport put together impressive numbers on the mound this season as well, his first time mounting a winning season in three years in the league. Opposing players hit .230 against Dave this season. While posting an ERA of 2.75 he went 25-15 in 40 starts, fanning 115 and walking 144 hitters. He had 40 complete games and 3 shutouts. He was 2nd in the Southern in ERA and 1st in wins.


Big Stick Awards
The SL's Big Stick winner was no surprise but a relative no-name took the honor in the North.

A great season convinced the voters that Sedona centerfielder Benny Kauff was worthy of the NL Big Stick Award. His season featured a batting average of .369 (224 hits in 607 AB), 41 doubles, 8 triples and 8 bombs. Kauff collected 88 RBI and 112 runs as well. He was 1st in the Northern in batting, 6th in homeruns and 9th in RBI. Kauff will be one to watch. In four seasons, the 27-year-old has 797 hits. Nice.

The 1917 Southern Big Stick Award winner is a repeat from 1916 -- Surprise, surprise, it's Tempe's rightfielder Babe Ruth. Ruth hit for a .343 average this season. He had 72 extra base hits along with 333 total bases, resulting in a .614 slugging percentage. He was 3rd in the Southern in batting, 1st in homeruns and 1st in RBI. Ruth wins the award for the 2nd time in his 2-year career. Wonder if he can catch Sam Crawford's nine Big Sticks during his career.


Rookie of the Year Awards
Flagstaff's Leon Cadore was almost in tears when he heard the news. The 26 year old pitcher was named the Rookie of the Year winner in the Northern League. Opposing players hit .265 against Leon this season. While posting an ERA of 3.76 he went 17-18 in 38 starts, fanning 125 and walking 138 hitters. Cadore pitched one shutout and 29 complete games.

Carefree rightfielder Sam Rice has worked hard to reach the big leagues. His work paid off s the Southern named him the Rookie of the Year winner Rice batted .291. He added 24 doubles, along with 80 runs scored -- another reason many believe the Blues to be on the rise in the AZL.


Field General Awards
Northern Field General Award Winners:
Pitcher: King Cole (CTW)
Catcher: Wally Schang (CTW)
First Base: Hal Chase (JER)
Second Base: Morrie Rath (KAY)
Third Base: Frank O'rourke (FLG)
Shortstop: Ernie Johnson (PRE)
Leftfield: Edd Roush (JER)
Centerfield: Tris Speaker (PAY)
Rightfield: Danny Moeller (PAY)

Southern Field General Award Winners:
Pitcher: Carl Druhot (TOM)
Catcher: Tex Erwin (TUC)
First Base: Babe Borton (YUM)
Second Base: Del Pratt (PHX)
Third Base: Ed Hallinan (TOM)
Shortstop: Tommy Mcmillan (YUM)
Leftfield: Chet Chadbourne (CAR)
Centerfield: Sherry Magee (NOG)
Rightfield: Sam Rice (CAR)