Hardy Named Royals Minor League Pitcher of the Year
Pioneer League
Idaho Falls - The Kansas City Royals named yesterday Rowdy Hardy and Mike Aviles as the Alex George Royals Minor League Players of the Year. Aviles, an infielder for the Omaha Royals, "AAA" affiliate of the Kansas City Royals, hit .296 (159-for-538) with 27 doubles, 6 triples, 17 home runs, 77 RBI and 78 runs scored.
Hardy, a graduate of Austin Peay State University, posted a record of 15-5 this last season for the Wilmington Blue Rocks, Advanced Class "A" Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. He was also named the Wilmington Blue Rocks Pitcher of the Year last August. In 26 appearances for the Blue Rocks, Hardy led the Carolina League with complete games (3) and innings pitched (167.0), while marking an ERA of 2.48. In addition, he was named the Carolina League's Pitcher of the Year.
In 2006, the lefty was the lone member to represent the Chukars in the Pioneer League Postseason All-Star Team. For the Chukars, Hardy finished 4th in the league in ERA at 2.80 while posting an overall record of 5-3. He tied for 3rd in the league in innings pitched (80.1), walked only five batters (started his first 45.2 professional innings without a walk), and led the team in starts with 15. Hardy was also named that season by the Kansas City Royals as the organization's Pitcher of the Year.
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