As some of you probably remember, we reported back on June 18 of this year that the New York Yankees had drafted young Dante Bichette Jr. with their supplemental round pick in the MLB draft.
The third baseman signed immediately with the Yankees and began his campaign in rookie ball. Some fans old enough to recognize that his father was Dante Bichette Sr., who spent fourteen years in major league baseball, definitely held higher than normal expectations out of him. After all, Bichette Sr. was the runner-up most valuable player in 1995 and compiled above-average statistics at the MLB level (1,704 games, 1,906 hits, 401 doubles, 274 homers, 1141 RBI, and a triple slash of .299/.336/.499).
His 2011 season was certainly memorable. The following are his statistics from the Gulf Coast League, taken from baseball-reference.
52 games: 67 for 196 (.342), .446 OBP, .505 SLG, 17 doubles, three triples, three homers and 47 RBI. In fact, his RBI, doubles and hits totals were tops in the league.
For those efforts, he was rewarded earlier this afternoon, being named MVP of the Gulf Coast League.
Congratulations, Dante. We all look forward to following your progress through the minor leagues all the way to the majors. Keep up the good work!
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