Hold My Log - 51.9 - Smith Takes Top Hitter

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And the 4th and final team award for the 2050 season goes to the team's top hitter during the 2050 season. While some of the other awards were tightly contested, especially the team's top pitcher award, the team's top hitter award was pretty cut and dry. Granted, the Portland Lumberjacks did have 6 hitters post a WAR over 2.0 last season, the guy that classed the field in 2050 was your clear winner.

It started early in the season when Jeffrey Smith hit a grand slam against Seattle in the 9th inning to give his team a win. The jovial outfielder donned a giant cowboy hat later that night after declaring himself "the Sheriff", poking fun of Ernest McBride who dominated the headlines in 2049. Smith carried that hot early bat all season, leading up to a career year for the corner outfielder.

Smith matched his career best war of 6.2 this season, equalling his 2046 output when he was a member of the Vancouver mounties. Smith also hit a team high 33 homeruns and drove in 103 RBI. He was one of 3 Lumberjacks last season to surpass the century mark in RBI. He led the team in OBP and Slugging, meaning he obviously led the team in OPS as well. 2050 also marked the first season since coming to Portland that Smith was given regular starts.

"Over my first years here, we had so many outfielders, and good outfielders, that it was hard to get in and stay in a rhythm" commented Smith. "This year the team gave me full time out there with the occasional rest day and I really feel it benefited me this year. Now it's time to take it to a whole new level in 2051!"

As to whether the new "Sheriff" moniker will stick around in 2051, Smith stated: "Nah, we'll need a new niche this year. I just hope no one shoots the sheriff."