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Stompers catcher named MVP


Sonoma High grad and Valley native Jayce Ray was named the Pacific Association’s Most Valuable Player on Wednesday after his remarkable 2014 season.

Ray, 24, led the Pacific Association with his .355 batting average, his .483 on-base percentage was tops in the league, and he had an OPS (on-base percentage plus slugging percentage) of 1.026, also the best figure in the Pacific Association. Ray played Gold-Glove-caliber defense in Arnold Field’s expansive dimensions up the middle, and threw out a league-best 10 base runners, while committing just two errors. Most of those assists came in the early going before the rest of the league learned not to test his strong and accurate arm.

The Washington University alum was second in the league with 18 doubles (Stompers teammate Reid Chenworth had 20), tied for second in stolen bases (23), and slugging percentage (.543). Ray third with 62 runs scored, tied for fifth with 83 hits, fourth in walks with 46, was top-10 in homers with 8, and RBIs (44).

He was also the league leader in hit-by-pitches, taking 16 off the body.

Ray’s value was perhaps best shown by his mere presence in the Stompers lineup. The stompers were 36-27 (.571 winning percentage) compared to a paltry 6-9 record (.400) when we he wasn’t in the starting lineup.

“It was an absolute pleasure watching Jayce play this game,” Stompers General Manager Theo Fightmaster said. “He always does everything the right way; weather it’s driving in a run in a clutch spot, taking an extra base — his instincts for this game are second to none.”

Upon learning the news, Ray said, “I want to thank my teammates and the Stompers organization for giving me the opportunity to play in my home town, and in front of my family and friends.

“I couldn’t have had this season without my team, who I really loved playing with, and our manager (Ray Serrano) for helping me along the way. … this is a great honor.”

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