New York Yankees’ Aaron Hicks named “in-game MVP” of the “MLB The Show Players League”

New York Yankees, Aaron Hicks
Aug 3, 2019; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees center fielder Aaron Hicks (31) singles against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning of game two of a doubleheader at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports

Yes, we currently have no MLB season because of coronavirus concerns. However, the players did provide some entertaining hours during the recently concluded MLB The Show Players League, which ended in a Blake Snell victory against Lucas Giolito. The New York Yankees, however, were represented in the final awards.

Tommy Kahnle, the charismatic relief pitcher, was the Yankees’ representative in the tournament. He didn’t make the postseason, though. Yet, his performance in control of center fielder Aaron Hicks was remarkable.

The Yankees’ outfielder was named the league’s in-game Most Valuable Player. When he used Hicks, Kahnle was virtually better than Ruth: in 29 games, the virtual Hicks hit 14 home runs and drove in 28 runs, with a 2.369 OPS.

Simply out, video-game Hicks produced double the offensive output than Mike Trout (1.083 OPS) the American League MVP, did in 2019. Of course, the sample size is significantly smaller, but it is impressive anyway.

Despite Hicks’ heroics, the Kahnle-led Yankees were on the outside looking for a postseason spot. If he had won his final regular season game, Kahnle would have made it to the playoffs, but he lost to Lance McCullers of the Houston Astros.

Kahnle’s Yankees had a good run

Kahnle didn’t have a bad tournament at all: his final 19-11 record was nothing to sneeze at, and it was the best among teams that didn’t make the postseason.

The New York Yankees’ reliever did accomplish the goal for which the tournament was organized for: bring laughs and joy to the baseball community. He offered some memorable moments and celebrations along the way.

Joey Gallo was voted by players and fans as the best player among the 30 participants. Per MLB.com, the MLB The Show Players League Awards were determined by a vote, with 30 percent coming from the fans and the other 70 percent from the players. In the “Best Player” category, Gallo received 39.79 percent of the fan vote and 10 from the 30 league participants. That helped Gallo beat Blake Snell (Rays) for the honor. Dwight Smith Jr (Orioles) and Bo Bichette (Blue Jays) also received votes, finishing third and fourth, respectively.

BoFlows, Bo Bichette’s Twitch name, was voted the best and the Kansas City Royals’ Brett Phillips was the most entertaining streamer.