Kolbrin Vitek Photo Credit: Tim Corbey --(view larger image)

Continuing with post-season awards, Monarchs second baseman Kolbrin Vitek (Ball State) was named the Great Lakes League Player of the Year after winning the triple crown by leading the league in batting average (.400), home runs (6), and RBIs (38). Vitek also led the league in hits (54), doubles (16), and was second in triples (6).

General Manager Jim DeSana had this to say on Vitek’s great season: “Kolbrin really produced at the plate this summer. I can't remember anyone dominating this many offensive categories in a 36 game Great Lakes League Season.” Good praise for someone who’s played the majority of the season out of his normal position. 

To make things more impressive, Vitek won the award at second base. He played third base for Ball State to utilize his strong arm. This brings us to Vitek being named the top position player prospect in the Great Lakes League. Apart from his spectacular hitting abilities, Vitek also can be utilized as a pitcher. He threw 3 innings in relief this year for the Monarchs, displaying a low 90s fastball. That type of arm strength makes him a valuable commodity at third base and he has shown the power to be a solid corner infield prospect for the majors.  

Thus concludes perhaps the greatest season in Monarchs history after winning the triple crown, player of the year, top prospect, and being named the All-Star game MVP.