Thompson’s Homers Earn Praise

Photo courtesy of Steve Orcutt/W-S Dash.

Dash slugger Trayce Thompson has a share of the Carolina League lead with 22 home runs this season, and his power efforts have earned him a spot on a prestigious list.

The Joe Bauman Home Run Award, which began in 2002, is presented every year to the top regular season home run hitter in minor league baseball. In addition to the overall leader, the top home run hitter at each level of the minors will receive an honor.

Last season, Winston-Salem slugger Ian Gac won the Class A honor with 33 home runs, and now Thompson is aiming to become the second Winston whacker to make his way onto the list. Only one other Carolina Leaguer–Kinston’s Matt Whitney in 2007–has taken home the Class A crown.

Thompson is competing with players from 60 total teams in five leagues. Here is the current race:

1. Matthew Skole – 24 (Hagerstown Suns, Washington’s Low-A affiliate)

2. Telvin Nash – 23 (Lancaster JetHawks, Houston’s High-A affiliate)

T-3. Trayce Thompson – 22 (Winston-Salem)

T-3. Aaron Baker – 22 (Frederick Keys, Baltimore’s High-A affiliate)

T-3. Jared Clark – 22 (Modesto Nuts, Colorado’s High-A affiliate)

T-3. Dusty Robinson – 22 (Stockton Ports, Oakland’s High-A affiliate)

T-3. George Springer – 22 (Lancaster JetHawks, Houston’s High-A affiliate)

8. Miguel Sano – 21 (Beloit Snappers, Minnesota’s Low-A affiliate)

T-9. five players tied with 20 home runs

With the way Thompson is swinging the bat, it is very possible the Dash could go back-to-back in Class A this year. We’ll keep you posted.

- Brian