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Polllock Post MVP Season - 2008 Archives

03/31/2020 1:49 PM

Article By: CCBL Public Relations Office

By Laura Rasmussen, CCBL Intern

From the Archives. This article was originally published in the Cape League Magazine Media Guide, 2008

While Switching from third base to the outfield in his second year at Notre Dame, becoming accustomed to swinging a wood bat and adjusting to the top of the order for the Falmouth Commodores this season, A.J. Pollock hasn't missed a beat.


    Now Pollock will learn to adapt to his new status – winner of the Pat Sorenti Award as the Cape Cod Baseball League’s Most Valuable Player for 2008.


    Pollock emerged as one of the most consistent and feared hitters this summer, finishing the regular season first in hits (61), doubles (15) and slugging percentage (.556). He also ranked second in batting average at .377 – a clip that remained above .300 all summer long – as well as second in extra-base hits with 20.


    Pollock’s selection as MVP keeps the Sorenti award in Falmouth, where it was won in 2007 by Conor Gillespie (Wichita State), who also captured the batting championship.
    Falmouth manager Jeff Trundy calls Pollock “the complete package,” a player who brings athleticism and the right mentality to every game.


    “He has faith in his ability and trusts his ability,” Trundy said. “He has nights where his is going to go out and struggle, but he doesn't let it slump him.”


    Pollock, who also ranked third in on-base percentage (.455) and runs scored (35), credits his success to focusing on sticking with the same approach every day and says the summer has helped him grow as a player.


    “I am going to go back to school definitely a different player with a different mindset toward the game,” Pollock said. “This experience helped me tremendously as a player.”


    Pollock started in center field as a West Division All-Star, going 2-for-3 at the plate with a solo home fun. He proved to be the perfect leadoff hitter for the Commodores, relying on his ability to make contact and put the ball in play, striking out only 24 times in 162 at-bats. He stated in that No. 1 slot until August 2, when Trundy moved him to third in the batting order.


    As with every other change that came Pollock’s way, the MVP didn't miss a beat, leading his team to the West Division playoffs.