DOGS’ HR KING BARNUM TAKES AMERICAN ASSOCIATION MVP AWARD

Photo via Chicago Dogs

MOORHEAD, MN — The American Association announced Tuesday September 3 that Chicago Dogs’ INF Keon Barnum has earned the league’s Most Valuable Player award for the 2019 season.

Barnum put together a historic season on his way to earning the award, clobbering more home runs in a season (31) than any other player in the history of the American Association. The right handed slugger broke the record of 30 set by former Wichita Wingnuts’ C.J. Ziegler in 2013 with a solo shot in a 4-2 loss to the St. Paul Saints on September 1. Barnum finished the season with a .311 batting average (13th in the league), 67 runs scored (13th), 116 hits (9th), 26 double (6th) 31 home runs (1st), 90 RBIs (2nd), and 52 walks drawn (T-9th).

The 26-year-old began his professional career in 2012 after being drafted in the first round of the MLB Draft by the Chicago White Sox. Barnum spent seven seasons in the White Sox organization, reaching Double-A three times. Prior to 2019, Barnum’s career high for home runs in a season was 18 (2017).