8/01/2007 – Turk Tidbits

The Harrisonburg Turks have proudly recognized individual player accomplishments for the 2007 season. The Batting Title went to slugger Robert Taylor (Ingram, TX), OF from Arkansas Little-Rock. Taylor posted a team high batting average of .355 in 131 at bats, 43 hits, 6 doubles, 4 home runs, 14 RBIs, and scored 22 runs. The Gold Glove Award was presented to Travis Peep (Chandler, AZ), a sophmore 2B from U. of Arizona. Peep dazzled our fans with outstanding defensive plays and a .980 fielding percentage. He posted a .278 batting average in 158 at bats, 44 hits, 8 doubles, 1 triple, 1 home run, 9 RBIs, and scored 21 runs. The Fire Man’s Award went to RHP, Garrett Parker (Duncanville, TX), a sophmore from Howard College. Parker was the Turks "lights out – go to guy" posting an amazing 0.00 ERA in 18.1 IP with a 2-0 record and 8 saves, in 15 appearances he amassed 23 strike outs. Parker will be transferring to NAIA powerhouse, Oklahoma City University. The Most Valuable Pitcher Award was presented to LHP Ashur Tolliver (Sherwood, Arkansas), freshman from Arkansas Little-Rock. Tolliver posted a 4-0 record with an ERA of 2.52 in 50.0 IP with 9 appearances, collecting 61 strike outs. The Most Valuable Player Award went to David Dennis (El Cajon, CA), junior 1B from Oklahoma City University. Dennis posted a .305 batting average in 151 at bats, 46 hits, 13 doubles, 4 home runs, and 23 RBIs. For the past two summers Dennis has been a very important member of the Turks baseball program. He earned respect with his performance on the field and found his way into the hearts of Turk fans with his big teddy bear personality off the field. During his two summers in Harrisonburg he inspired and taught area little leaguers while he worked the Turks baseball camps and gave individual lessons. Given the nickname, "Moose", during his stay in Harrisonburg you could hear the "Moose horn" sound at his every at bat as fans raised their hands to make their "Moose antellars" as they cheered Dennis on. David Dennis has left his mark at Veterans Memorial Stadium. The Turks and their fans wish David "Moose" Dennis all the best in his baseball career and whatever life brings his way. We’ll miss you "Moose"! Just a reminder of the 2007 Harrisonburg Turks All-Stars: ** Robert Taylor, OF from Arkansas Little-Rock ** David Dennis, 1B from Oklahoma City University ** B. J. Wheeler, Utility from Clarendon University – transferring to Oklahoma State University ** Tim Wheeler, RHP from Troy University ** Ashur Tolliver, LHP from Arkansas Little-Rock ** Rod Brantley, RHP from Dallas Baptist ** Garrett Parker, RHP from Howard College – transferring to Oklahoma City University The Harrisonburg Turks were blessed to have an outstanding pitching staff. The Turks were first in the Valley League with a team low .238 ERA in 44 games, 381.2 IP, and held their opponents to an amazing .201 batting average. Congratulations to Pitching Coach Mike Ranson (Limestone College) and the pitching staff for an outstanding season; ** Rod Brantly, RHP, Dallas Baptist, ERA 2.12, 2-2 ** Chris Chapman,LHP, Miss. Gulf Coast, ERA 2.69, 4-1 ** Ryan Ellison,RHP, Troy U., ERA 1.58, 4-2 ** Garrett Parker,RHP, Howard College, ERA 0.00, 2-0 ** David Klumpp LHP, Arkansas Little Rock, ERA 2.36, 2-2 ** Josh Moore, LHP, Wheaton College, ERA 4.15, 0-2 ** James Kennedy, RHP, Rider U., ERA 3.16, 4-2 ** Ty Pryor, RHP, North Florida, ERA 4.15, 0-2 ** Ian Reinhart, RHP, So. Illinois, ERA 1.67, 2-0 ** Chase Sonen, RHP from St.Joseph’s Coll. ** Ashur Tolliver, LHP,Arkansas Little-Rock, ERA 2.52, 4-0 ** Jon Vallen, RHP, Potomac State, ERA 13.50, 0-0 ** Tim Wheeler, RHP, Troy U., ERA 1.96, 3-4 A number of Turks also earned other awards during the season. Valley Baseball League Co-Player and Co-Pitcher of the Week: Week One – B.J. Wheeler, Utility, Clarendon College Week Three – Ashur Tolliver, LHP, Arkansas Little-Rock Week Five – David Dennis, 1B, Oklahoma City U. Week Six – Brett Stewart, 3B, Appalachain State U. Turks Player of the Week: Week One – B.J. Wheeler, Utility, Clarendon College Week Two – James Kennedy, RHP, Rider U. Week Three – Travis Peep, 2B, U. Arizona Week Four – Robert Taylor, OF, Arkansas Little-Rock Week Five – Rod Brantley, RHP, Dallas Baptist Week Six – Brett Stewart, 3B, Appalachain State U. Week Seven – Ryan Ellison, RHP, Troy U. Week Eight – Brett Stewart, 3B, Appalachain State U. The Harrisonburg Turks concluded their regular season in second place with a record of 28-16. We congratulate all of our players for a job well done!