chavez

2013 CWL 1B Matt Chavez wins American Association batting title.

WICHITA, Kans. (September 6, 2016) – With a .359 batting average, first baseman Matt Chavez has become the sixth Wichita Wingnut in the club’s nine-year history to claim the American Association Batting Title.

Chavez entered the final day of the regular season with a one-point lead in the race over teammate Harrison Kain, and with his 3-for-7 performance in Monday’s doubleheader at Laredo, just edged Kain out by a point, .359 to .358.

In addition to his league-leading average, the former San Francisco Don had an outstanding offensive season in several other categories in his first year with the Wingnuts. Chavez tied for second on the club with 16 home runs, and drove in 61 runs in 68 games.

The 27-year old also added 23 doubles, helping him to finish with a league-high slugging percentage of .633, which was 85 points higher than second place. Chavez also finished third in the league in on-base percentage, reaching base at a .421 clip.

The California native is the sixth Wingnut to win a batting title in the franchise’s nine-year history. Wichita’s previous winners include Kevin Hooper (.373 in 2008), Greg Porter (.372 in 2009), Jake Kahaulelio (.372 in 2012), Abel Nieves (.357 in 2013), and Brent Clevlen (.372 in 2014).

Chavez adds the batting title to a list of honors that has been continuously growing as the season has gone on. On Saturday, Chavez was named the American Association Rookie of the Year, and he has also collected an American Association Player of the Week honor, as well as the American Association Rawling’s Player of the Month Award for August.

(From Wingnut’s official website)

Chavez participated in the 2013 CWL season and turned his opportunity into a professional contract. He continued working his way up the professional ladder, even reaching spring training with the San Diego Padres. The CWL is proud of Matt’s success and the accolades he continues to receive at the professional level.