Sept. 25, 2006

Rochester, Minn. - Senior 2B Spud McKenzie was awarded with the Silver Glove Award over the summer while playing in the Northwoods League. McKenzie posted a .976 fielding percentage in 56 games played for the Eau Claire Express.

The Northwoods League, in conjunction with Rawlings, has announced the recipients of the 2006 Silver Glove Award winners. The Silver Glove is awarded annually to the League's "Finest in the Field", recognizing the top fielders at each position.

Second baseman Spud McKenzie is the first Eau Claire Express player to receive a Silver Glove Award. McKenzie committed only six errors on 255 chances during the 2006 season, good for a .976 fielding percentage.

This year's squad also includes first baseman Lucas Duda (Southern California) and outfielder Andy Dirks (Hutchinson CC) who were previously named to the NWL post-season All-Star team,. The La Crosse Loggers were the only team to be represented twice as outfielder Travis Check (Western Illinois) and pitcher Jason Dominguez (Pepperdine) were both honored at their respective position.

The winners are selected based on final official fielding statistics compiled by League statistician Sports Ticker, a Bristol, CT based sports statistical service company.

This season's Silver Glove Award winners are:
Pitcher - Jason Dominguez (Pepperdine University) - La Crosse Loggers
Catcher - Shea Harris (Gardner-Webb University) - Rochester Honkers
First Base - Lucas Duda (University of Southern California) - Alexandria Beetles
Second Base - Justin McKenzie (Grand Valley State University) - Eau Claire Express
Shortstop - Bryan Cartie (McNeese State University) - St. Cloud River Bats
Third Base - Dan Pirillo (Long Island University) - Thunder Bay Border Cats
Outfielder - Travis Check (Western Illinois University) - La Crosse Loggers
Outfielder - Andy Dirks (Hutchinson Community College) - Brainerd Blue Thunder
Outfielder - Robert Matlock (Freed-Hardeman University) - Waterloo Bucks


Courtesy of the Northwoods League.