Sox Scoops 43.068: Class A Gold Sox Award Hitter of Year to Journeyman OF
Posted: Sun Aug 16, 2020 7:50 pm
By Rick Mariotti
Minor Leagues Beat Writer
Chicago Sports Online
Elmer Serrano
The Grand Junction Gold Sox rewarded minor league journeyman outfielder Elmer Serrano for a productive season by naming him the team’s Hitter of the Year.
Serrano, 26, who’s kicked around the BBA minors since 2036 with only middling success, slashed .296/.381/.439 to lead the Gold Sox in several offensive categories.
Although Serrano is older than the Sox generally like their Class A players to be, the organization made an exception for him after he was brought in last season via minor league free agency as an injury replacement.
“It seemed a little heartless to just cut him loose after he saved our bacon last season, so we decided to give him a shot this year so long as he wasn’t blocking any of our key prospects from getting at-bats,” said manager Roberto Solis. “He wasn’t, so we let him play.”
And play he did – well enough to earn a promotion to AA Beloit next season and continue his pursuit of getting a BBA call-up someday.
“Hey, I know I’m not anyone’s shiny new toy at this point,” Serrano said. “But surely there’s a place in the game for a dedicated minor league guy who just loves to go out and play and help the younger kids along.”
Although the Gold Sox missed the post-season this year, they were competitive all year – partly because of Serrano’s play.
“It was a fun year, but I do look forward to moving up next year and showing that I have what it takes to make the Chicago roster one of these days,” Serrano said. “And, yeah, I know the owner up there likes to give out fruit baskets, and I just want him to know that I’m partial to pears and melon balls.”
Minor Leagues Beat Writer
Chicago Sports Online
Elmer Serrano
Serrano, 26, who’s kicked around the BBA minors since 2036 with only middling success, slashed .296/.381/.439 to lead the Gold Sox in several offensive categories.
Although Serrano is older than the Sox generally like their Class A players to be, the organization made an exception for him after he was brought in last season via minor league free agency as an injury replacement.
“It seemed a little heartless to just cut him loose after he saved our bacon last season, so we decided to give him a shot this year so long as he wasn’t blocking any of our key prospects from getting at-bats,” said manager Roberto Solis. “He wasn’t, so we let him play.”
And play he did – well enough to earn a promotion to AA Beloit next season and continue his pursuit of getting a BBA call-up someday.
“Hey, I know I’m not anyone’s shiny new toy at this point,” Serrano said. “But surely there’s a place in the game for a dedicated minor league guy who just loves to go out and play and help the younger kids along.”
Although the Gold Sox missed the post-season this year, they were competitive all year – partly because of Serrano’s play.
“It was a fun year, but I do look forward to moving up next year and showing that I have what it takes to make the Chicago roster one of these days,” Serrano said. “And, yeah, I know the owner up there likes to give out fruit baskets, and I just want him to know that I’m partial to pears and melon balls.”