The Greeneville Astros hand out two awards prior to the last game of the season each year - team MVP, and the Oscar Padron Award (named for former Gastros pitching coach killed in a car accident in Venezuela in 2005). The Padron Award, is given to the Astros player each year that not only excelled on the field, but more importantly, is considered to be a leader in the clubhouse and an outstanding all-around person with great character off the field.
This year, that honor went to Grant Hogue.
And your 2009 Greeneville Astros MVP award went to Jose Altuve who, despite getting called up to Tri-City on August 11, still managed to lead the team in hits, doubles, runs scored, and stolen bases. This is the second Appalachian League award for the non-Appalachian League player this season.
We didn't come out here to play tiddlywinks, son.
-Hal Smith
