Kirby-Jones named MVP by Vancouver after his performance this summer
Former Golden Eagle ball player AJ Kirby-Jones was named the Vancouver Canadian’s Most Valuable Player for his contributions during the 2010 Northwest League season.
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – AJ Kirby-Jones has made himself right at home at Nat Bailey Stadium at Scotiabank Field in Vancouver, British Columbia, as his minor league debut with the Vancouver Canadians can be labeled nothing less than a monumental success.
On Sept. 5, Kirby-Jones was awarded the Charlie Metro Award (Most Valuable Player) by Canadian's manager Rick Magnante and his staff, becoming one of four members of the team to earn a 2010 Player Award for the summer season.
Kirby-Jones, who flashed the leather at first base for Vancouver, finished his campaign having set a franchise record of 14 home runs – double that of his second place counterpart - and 42 RBI in a single season, posting a .259 batting average to boot.
Appearing in 74 of the 76 games played this summer, he helped drive the Canadians into the post-season by hitting .324 over his final 10 games. Couple those stats with his contributions defensively on the diamond, and it's hard-pressed to argue a more deserving recipient of the award.
On the year, Kirby-Jones went 64-247 at the plate (.259) and contributed 10 extra-base hits in addition to his 14 long balls. He eyeballed 61 walks for the year, earning nearly three times as many free bases as the second place walk stat (23). His patience at the place earned him a .417 on base percentage and a .470 slugging percentage – stats that rank second overall on the team.
Joining Kirby-Jones as 2010 Player Award winners are Michael Choice (Offensive Player of the Year), Matt Thomson and Nathan Long (Co-Pitchers of the Year). Long was also awarded the Fan's Choice Award by the Canadian's Coaching Staff.
Learn more about the Vancouver Canadians and continue to follow Kirby-Jones as he makes his way through the minors by checking out his bio here.
