(Mankato, MN) –The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club, a member of the Northwoods League, is proud to announce that catcher Carlos Ramirez, outfielder Michael Rockett, and pitcher Jimmy Reyes were selected to the 2008 25-player Northwoods League Postseason All-Star Team. In addition, catcher Carlos Ramirez was named the Most Valuable Player and manager Jason Nell was named Manager of the Year.
Ramirez (Chandler Gilbert CC), a North Divison All-Star, dominated the Northwoods League this summer and has found himself on numerous offensive leader boards. He finished the regular season as league leader in home runs (10), slugging percentage (.560), and extra-base hits (29). He also ranks among the league leaders in batting average (.315), runs batted in (44), doubles (19), and on-base percentage (.433). Ramirez garnered 41 percent of the MVP votes while St. Cloud River Bats second baseman Derek McCallum (Minnesota) finished second with 24 percent.
Manager Jason Nell, who was named 2008 NWL Manager of the Year, led the MoonDogs to the first half North Division title and a berth in the Northwoods League playoffs for the first time in team history. Earlier this season, Nell (Iowa Lakes CC) won his 100th game and now stands at 108 wins overall in his third season as MoonDogs field manager. He ranks third overall in wins among all active NWL managers and eighth overall all-time.
Rockett (Texas-San Antonio) anchored the MoonDogs outfield all season and was a force at the top of the batting order. He led the team in hits (72), stolen bases (10) and was second in doubles (17), runs batted in (36) and games played (62). Earlier this season, he was named to the North Division All-Star team and was the Home Run Derby champion.
Reyes (Elon) was also named to the North Division All-Star team and became a leader on the MoonDogs pitching staff. His microscopic 1.63 ERA ranked fourth overall in the Northwoods League and led all MoonDogs starting pitchers. He also led the MoonDogs in victories (4) and was second on the team in strikeouts (52). In 60.2 innings pitched opposing hitters struggled as opponents hit just 0.206 off the left-hander.
The MoonDogs would like to thank all host families, sponsors and fans for making 2008 an unforgettable season. Everyone from the MoonDogs organization will see you back at the Frank in 2009. For more information, please visit www.mankatomoondogs.com or call 507-625-7047.
