Russ Mitchell Wins 2009 Dernell Stenson Award

        Peoria Javelinas first baseman Russ Mitchell (Dodgers) is the 2009 recipient of the Arizona Fall League’s Dernell Stenson Sportsmanship Award.
        The Fall League instituted the Stenson Award in 2004 in memory of former AFL player Dernell Stenson, who was killed in 2003 in Arizona during the AFL season.  Stenson played for the Grand Canyon Rafters in 1998 and was playing for the Scottsdale Scorpions at the time of his death.
        The award is presented annually to the Fall League player who best exemplifies unselfishness, hard work, and leadership.  The manager and coaching staff from each of the six Fall League teams nominate one player for the award.
        This year’s other nominees were Phoenix Desert Dogs catcher Nevin Ashley (Rays), Scottsdale Scorpions second baseman Chase d’Arnaud (Pirates), Surprise Rafters second baseman Daniel Descalso (Cardinals), Peoria Saguaros catcher Matt McBride (Indians) and Mesa Solar Sox outfielder Bryan Petersen (Marlins).
        “Russ Mitchell exemplifies the meaning of the Dernell Stenson Award,” offers Fall League Director Steve Cobb. “Like Dernell Stenson, Russ is one of the top performers in the Fall League and a clubhouse leader. He was an obvious catalyst in the Javelinas’ division championship and berth in our 18th championship game. Baseball is well served when its next generation of players includes the likes of Russ Mitchell.”
        In addition to his character and leadership, Mitchell excelled throughout the 2009 Fall League season. The Rome, Georgia native, who was the Dodgers’ 15th-round selection (451th overall) in the 2003 draft, was among the league’s offensive leaders from start to finish. He tied for the league lead in doubles (10) and extra-base hits (16), tied for third in runs batted in (25), tied for fourth in home runs (5) and total bases (57), and tied for fifth in runs (20).
        Also a Fall Leaguer in 2008, Mitchell completed a two-year 17-game on-base streak on October 27, 2009 when he hit .383 with 15 runs, 7 doubles, 1 triple, 5 home runs, 21 RBI, and an on-base percentage of .486.
        He hit. 319 with a .606 slugging percentage in 2009.
        The 24-year-old has spent seven seasons in the minor league. He hit .241 for Double-A Chattanooga in the Southern League in 2009.

Dernell Stenson Award Recipients
2009 — Russ Mitchell (Dodgers), 1B, Peoria Javelinas
2008 — Jason Donald (Phillies), IF, Mesa Solar Sox
2007 — Sam Fuld (Cubs), OF, Mesa Solar Sox
2006 — Kevin Frandsen (Giants), IF, Scottsdale Scorpions
2005 — Andre Ethier (Athletics), OF, Phoenix Desert Dogs
2004 — Mark Teahen (Royals), 3B, Phoenix Desert Dogs