Meet Your Hall of Famer: Yan Nunez

 

Bio:   Yan Nunez was born in Villa Altagracia, DO (Pop. 169,655 located in south central Dominican Republic).  Yan went pretty much unnoticed throughout his youth baseball career.  Until he made a splash for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic in Season 43.  He went 24/38 with 17 extra base hits.  He ws signed by Vancouver shortly after that effort.

International Signing: Signed for 14 million in Season 43 (4^th highest that year) by Vancouver (arcticlegend) 

Scout Lawrence Wright- “Yan is an average hitter with slightly above average power.  He projects to a .260 AVG and 15-20 HR a year.  His fielding and base running are above average.  He projects to play 3B in the Majors.”

Manager (xmasjjm): “Had to trade Destin Kennedy to get him but he was a middle of the lineup force and great fielder.  Solid player all around and did all he could to challenge the Fargo dynasty in the playoffs!  A clear fan favorite in Louisville history!”

Career Earnings: $139,021,000

Career: Yan Nunez was signed by Vancouver (arcticlegend) in Season 43. He played for a total of 5 franchises at the Major League level in his 15-year career.  He made his Major League debut in Season 44 with Vancouver.  During his career, he was a 10-time All-Star, won an MVP with Louisville in Season 49, 3 silver sluggers (47, 49, 52), and one Gold Glove (48).  His MVP year of Season 49 was also his best year. In that year he hit .314 AVG, 129 R, 217 H, 42 2B, 4 3B, 48 HR 148 RBI, 57 BB, 24 SB.  Over his career he compiled 1491 R, 2327 H, 434 2B, 64 3B, 435 HR, 1421 RBI 849 BB 329 SB, while hitting .276 AVG.

Speech Highlight- “To all those kids out there that have the dream of playing in the Majors, it does not come easy.  It took me till I was 21 to get noticed.  Continue to push for your dreams.  I am very grateful for Vancouver to give me my chance and for all the organizations I played for.  They all deserve to be accepting this award with me today.”

Meet Your Hall of Famer: John Servais

 

Bio: John Servias was born in Guyton, GA (Pop. 2289 28 miles northwest of Savannah, GA) where he attended South Effingham High School (nickname: Mustangs). Servais lead the Mustangs to back-to-back state final appearances, winning his Senior year. He led the AAAAAA class in hitting with a .723 average.

Draft: Was the 1st pick in Season 31 by Burlington (milton7). Signed for $7.920 Million

Scout Lawrence Wright- “Has great command of the bat through the zone. Above average power, especially to the gaps. Great range and could settle in at 2nd base. Speed is ok. Could make multiple All-Star games.”

Career Earnings: $102,857,002

Career: John Servais was the 1st pick in Season 31 by Burlington (milton7) where he played 8 years (Burlington and Chicago). He also played for Hartford, Ottawa, Seattle, Toronto, and El Paso over his 17-year career. He made his Major League debut in Season 34. During his career, he was a 3-time All-Star, won 3 Silver Slugger (35, 37,44) awards and one World Series Ring with Toronto in Season 45. He also hit for the cycle in Season 48. His best season was in Season 42 when he split time between Hartford and Ottawa. In that year he hit .321 AVG, 190 H, 42 2B, 7 3B, 38 HR, 134 RBI, walked 69 times, while scoring 104 Runs. Over his career he racked up stats of 1366 R, 2468 H, 483 2B, 55 3B, 327 HR, 1316 RBI, 772 BB and 203 SB.

Speech Highlight- “Baseball is grind, with many up and downs. I have experienced many from being drafted first overall, to thinking my career was over after my injury in Season 36, to All-Star appearances, then more injuries, and finally atop the mountain winning the World Series. My journey is unique, but all of these Hall of Famers have experienced some of the same. And to be included in this group, is truly amazing.”