Six Otters honored by Frontier League with postseason awards

The Evansville Otters had six representatives selected for Frontier League postseason awards, led by Pitcher of the Year Max Duval.

Voters in the league-wide process included broadcasters, general managers, field managers, coaches and local media.

In earning the Brian Tollberg award for being the most valuable pitcher, Duval went 8-2 in 14 starts with the Otters and led the league with a 2.27 ERA as a starter before having his contract purchased by the Miami Marlins’ organization in July.

Duval was an All-Star selection and was also named the Pitcher of the Week on June 26.

Kyano Cummings was voted the Jason Simontacchi Rookie of the Year as he enters Friday’s game with a 1.25 ERA in 49 games. He has struck out 57 batters while also recording seven saves.

Otters hitting coach Bobby Segal was given the Darren Bush Coach of the Year award with Evansville leading the league in total bases (1,326) and walks (401). The Otters are tied for first as a team with Lake Erie in home runs with 95. Evansville is also second in runs (504) and RBIs (466) entering Friday’s game.

Dane Phillips, Josh Allen and Jeff Gardner were all named Postseason All-Stars.

Phillips is batting .333 to lead the team in 91 games with 13 home runs and 64 RBIs. He is a double shy with three games left in the regular season of tying Allen’s single-season doubles record of 34 set last season.

Allen is third on the team in batting average at .312 and he has 12 doubles, 15 home runs and 47 RBIs in 2017. He has also drawn 63 walks to lead Evansville.

Gardner is batting .274 and he continues to lead the team and league in home runs with 22 on the season. He also leads Evansville with 80 RBIs.

The Evansville Otters were also recognized as a team with a Commissioner’s Award of Excellence.

Commissioner Bill Lee credited the Otters for having a great year in business development.

“We are all very proud of the Otters organization and the goals they have accomplished for the 2017 season,” Lee said. “The effort of the entire staff was second to none.”

Tickets for potential FLDS games on Sept. 5-6 are available by going to evansvilleotters.com or calling 812-435-8686. Check evansvilleotters.com for updated information on Evansville’s pursuit for the postseason.

The Evansville Otters are the 2006 and 2016 Frontier League champions. Group packages and single game tickets are now on sale. For more information, visit evansvilleotters.com or call 812-435-8686.