After hitting .312 and belting 12 HRs, the Spartans' freshman first baseman, Vincent Malzahn ( Port Jervis, NY) was voted as the top rookie in the East Coast Conference. The 6'5 power hitting lefty hit in the heart of the order and started every game for St. Thomas. He also hit 8 doubles and drove in 35 runs. He was voted "Rookie of the Week" once after hitting 3 homeruns, a triple, and drving in 8 runs in a conference double header.
"At the beginning of the season we talked about his individual goals. We both agreed that being the top rookie in the conference was the expectation," said Head Coach Scott Muscat. "He more than surpassed those expectations this season. With his power he could hit a 450 ft. shot or hit three homeruns in a double header, but what impressed me the most was his consistency. From day one he produced for us. Even when he was 0-for-3 with two strikeouts he would come up in his fourth at-bat, make a slight adjustment and hit the ball hard. He obviously is still learning the game, so we are excited to see what Vinny will do at STAC as he continues to mature as a player," added Muscat.
Malzahn will join two other Spartans (Mazzello & Della Monica) this summer on the NY Generals of the ACBL.
The line on Malzahn...
AVG GP-GS
AB R H 2B
3B HR RBI
.312 42-42 154
31 48 8
3 12 35