WICHITA, KS – The Lincoln Saltdogs announced today that fan voting is open for the 2018 team awards. Annually, Saltdogs fans select the team’s Most Valuable Player, Pitcher of the Year, Newcomer of the Year and Rookie of the Year.
Fans can cast their votes at https://saltdogs.com/awards/. Fans who vote will be entered into a random drawing to win an autographed Saltdogs bat.
The top award, Team MVP, has three quality contenders. Christian Ibarra is hitting .296 with 14 home runs and 49 RBIs. An on-base machine, Ibarra is second in the league in walks (52) and his .413 on-base percentage is fourth among active players in the American Association. The third baseman has registered more hits, doubles, homers and walks this year than he did in 2017. Randolph Oduber has been the catalyst of the team’s offense since joining the Saltdogs on June 18th. The outfielder is hitting a team-best .340 with five home runs and 30 RBIs over 49 games. The Aruban notched hits in 39 of his first 40 games with the team. Curt Smith is the longest tenured Saltdogs player and remains a consistent bat for Bobby Brown’s team. The slugger is batting .305 with 14 home runs and a team-high 60 RBIs. Smith is fourth in the league in RBIs and slugging percentage (.533).
There are three options for each of the other awards. Eric Wooten and Austin Robichaux are the only players listed as options for multiple awards, with both making the ballot for Pitcher of the Year and Newcomer of the Year.
Voting closes on Sunday, August 26th and winners will be announced during the final series at Haymarket Park this season (August 29-31).
The Saltdogs face the Wichita Wingnuts in a doubleheader Wednesday night beginning at 5:00 PM. First pitch can be heard at https://www.americanassociationbaseball.tv/ and the broadcast will be picked up on ESPN 101.5 FM 1480 AM and http://www.espn1480.com/lincoln-saltdogs-baseball/ at 6:00 PM.
For more information on the Saltdogs, follow the team on Facebook and Twitter/Instagram @saltdogsball. For ticket information visit https://saltdogs.com/tickets/ or call (402) 474-2255.