Ryan O’Hearn Named Pioneer League MVP - East Idaho News
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Ryan O’Hearn Named Pioneer League MVP

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IDAHO FALLS, ID — The Pioneer League Announced the season awards Saturday morning, highlighted by Chukars first baseman Ryan O’Hearn grabbing the Ralph Nelles Award for the Pioneer League MVP. O’Hearn was also one of five Chukars named to the All-Star team, most of any team. Third baseman Mike Hill, shortstop Corey Toups, outfielder Robert Pehl, and starting pitcher Torey Deshazier join O’Hearn on the All-Star team.

Ryan O’Hearn becomes the first Idaho Falls player to win the league MVP since Clint Robinson took home the award in 2007. The Sam Houston State product was a force from the first time he entered the lineup, hitting a home run his first professional at-bat and going 5 for 5 in the game. O’Hearn also has a walkoff home run this season, back on August 6th.

Ryan’s numbers set him apart from all the hitters in the league. His .372 batting average is second in the league (first amongst current players). O’Hearn leads the league in hits (87), runs (58), and slugging percentage (.598). The first baseman is also tied for third in the league with 12 home runs, and is fourth in RBIs with 50. Finally, O’Hearn is second in the league in on-base percentage (.449).

“I want to thank God first of all, and my teammates and coaches,” O’Hearn stated. “I’ve been so blessed to end up in an awesome organization in the Royals, and to start my career with the Chukars. I have nothing but great things to say about the fans and my time here. It’s an honor to get picked for this award, and it’s something I will always cherish.”

Ryan O’Hern’s college teammate at Sam Houston State, Corey Toups, also makes the All-Star team. The Chukars shortstop has been a mainstay, playing in 52 games. Corey’s .330 average leads all Pioneer League shortstops. The 21 year old has shown tremendous plate discipline, tallying 46 walks which is second in the league. That has resulted in an on-base percentage of .452, which leads the lead. Toups has 20 doubles, which is also second in the league.

Mike Hill makes it three members of the Chukars infield to make the All-Star squad. The biggest strength for Hill has been his arm, routinely gunning out runners from the hot corner. The Orange, CA native is also productive at the plate, hitting .282 with three home runs and 30 runs batted in. Hill is tied for the league lead with seven triples.

Robert Pehl rounds out the Idaho Falls position players named to the All-Star team. Robert has been a middle of the order hitter for Idaho Falls, and is sixth in the league with a .339 average. The University of Washington product has 41 runs batted, which is second on the Chukars. Pehl has played in 59 games for Idaho Falls. He joins his college teammate Trevor Mitsui on Missoula as members of the All-Star squad.

Torey Deshazier is one of five pitchers selected as an All-Star. The Chukars ace leads the Pioneer League with a 2.85 ERA, which is more than a full run better than the next closest qualified pitcher. Deshazier has a 5-2 record, with the five wins tied for most on the team. The Pine Bluff, Arkansas native is second in the Pioneer League in WHIP (1.23) and opponents batting average (.236). Torey’s 64 strikeouts is fifth in the league. It’s the third straight year a Chukars pitcher was named an All-Star, joining Sam Selman of 2012, and Patrick Conroy of 2013. Selman received the Logan Hurlbert Award for the top pitcher on 2012.

Two Chukars were also honorable mention for awards this season. Kyle Pollock was an honorable mention for the All-Star catcher position, that was awarded to Julian Leon of Ogden. Manager Omar Ramirez was an honorable mention for the Manager of the Year, given to Grand Junction’s Anthony Sanders.

No other team had more than two All-Star selections.

From Idaho Falls Chukars Media Relations

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