Desmond Jennings Named Southern League MVP

[Via email from the Montgomery Biscuits' broadcaster Jon Laaser.]

The Biscuits are extremely pleased to announce that former Biscuits' outfielder Desmond Jennings has been voted as the Southern League's 2009 Most Valuable Player. The 22-year old was also named a Post-Season Southern League All-Star.

A native of the Birmingham, AL, area, Jennings becomes the third Biscuit recognized as the league's most valuable player. CF Delmon Young was honored in 2005 and 3B Evan Longoria in 2007.

Though he was promoted to Triple-A Durham on August 1st, he continues to place among the league-leaders in numerous categories. He hit .316 with the Biscuits, continuing to rank second in the league batting race. He set the Biscuits' single-season franchise-record with 37 stolen bases, leading the league at the time of his promotion and continuing to place third. His .395 on-base percentage and .486 slugging percentage each remain in the league top-five. He also led the league in triples (8) at the time of his promotion, and is currently tied for third. His 121 hits still lead the Biscuits, as do his 69 runs scored and 48 walks.

The Southern League Most Valuable Player Award is voted on by league field managers, radio broadcasters and beat-writers.

Jennings selection as a Southern League Post-Season All-Star makes him the ninth Biscuit to be so honored. The first eight Montgomery honorees were; 3B Rico Washington (2005),CF Delmon Young (2005), RHP Andy Sonnanstine (2006), C John Jaso (2007), 3B Evan Longoria (2007), RHP Chris Mason (2007), RHP Dale Thayer (2007) and LHP David Price (2008). Six of those players have appeared in the Major Leagues.

At midseason, Jennings was selected to participate for the United States team in the prestigious XM All-Star Futures Game in St. Louis, MO. He was also voted as a midseason Southern League All-Star, but didn't play in the Southern League All-Star Game due to his participation in the Futures Game.

He was selected as the Rays' organizational Player of the Month in April and recognized as the Southern League Hitter of the Week for the week of July 13-19.

In 25 games since joining Durham, he is batting .292 with two home runs and 12 RBIs. Additionally, he has stolen 12 bases in just 14 attempts.

Originally selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 10th round of the 2006 draft out of Pinson Valley High School, he is currently in just his fourth professional season.

The Biscuits close the home portion of their 2009 Southern League schedule by hosting Fan Appreciation night during their 7:05 PM game against the Carolina Mudcats on Tuesday night at Riverwalk Stadium. The game will feature a post-game MAX Fireworks Spectacular. Tickets are available and can be purchased by logging on to BiscuitsBaseball.com, visiting the Biscuits Box Office at Riverwalk Stadium or calling the Biscuits at (334) 323-2255.