Oct. 20, 2009
EVANSTON, Ill. -
Former Northwestern Wildcat and current Philadelphia Phillies left-handed pitcher J.A. Happ has been named Sporting News' National League Rookie of the Year. The award is selected by a panel of 338 Major League players.
Happ, who was a three-time first-team All-Big Ten selection at NU from 2002-04, posted a 12-4 record and a 2.93 ERA for the Phillies who currently hold a 3-1 series lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the best-of-seven National League Championship Series. He struck out 119 batters in 166 innings pitched and had two shutouts during the regular season.
Happ pitched in relief in Game 2 of the National League Divisional Series against the Colorado Rockies prior to starting Game 3. He has pitched twice in relief in the NLCS.
Two other former Wildcats are currently still participating in the League Championship Series round as Mark Loretta is playing for the Dodgers and Joe Girardi is managing the New York Yankees.