Karyabwite Proves Niles Wrong
Last year’s Media Guide included this comment from Omaha’s Justin Niles.
He labeled Calgary’s Juan Karyabwite as a “Falling Star” and said “Karyabwite hasn’t been an average hitter in the last three seasons yet Calgary owes him $53M over the next three years. Thankfully he can still field, but for how much longer?”
Well all Karyabwite did was have one of the best seasons of his career, was voted the JL starting LF in the All Star Game, won his 6th Zimmer Award and got votes for the Puckett.
Justin Niles
(Note - Niles predicted the Pioneers would go 81-81, which looked ridiculous at the time. The Pioneers unfortunately finished the year 80-82 almost exactly as predicted)
“Yeah I had that article in my locker all season. I only wish we still had some interleague games so I would have gotten the chance to play Omaha during the season,” Karyabwite said.
Karyabwite hit .309 after 3 sub .300 years. He hit 54 doubles (a career hight), 26 home runs and had 99 RBIs including his 1000th career RBI. His .526 SLG tied the best season of his career. He topped 200 hits for the 6th time in his career. He also stole 55 bases while only getting caught twice. Over the past 2 seasons he is 112-8 on the base paths.
Karyabwite has established himself as one of the top fielding left fielders in BBA history. His 6 Zimmer Awards at the position are the most of any player ever. He has amassed a +71.7 ZR in 1330 games in left field. He has 2250 career hits, 448 doubles, 1159 runs, 1046 RBIs and 698 steals.
He just turned 30 last season.
