[BirdWatcher]

As we head rapidly in the WPK offseason towards 1983, let's wrap up a few things regarding the 1982 season, starting with the post-season awards.

Among the less prestigious awards, the Denver Brewers did earn one Gold Glove: for the second year in a row Antonio Acuna won this for his terrific play in right field for the Brewers. Among other MGL Gold Glove winners there were no real surprises. The best defensive player in the game currently, Portland shortstop Willie Romero, earned his third straight GG at age 24. His even younger teammate, center fielder Quincy Schultz got his second. The only first time winners in the MGL were Portland starting pitcher Ruben Ramirez (just 23 years old) and Charlotte third baseman Phil Goglin.
In the SJL, San Antonio's dynamic keystone combination, Bud Lindsay at shortstop (7th GG) and John Mussaw (5th GG), were also honored for the defense. Philadelphia's veteran third baseman Juan Mendoza picked up his 8th GG award and Boston catcher Elvis Iniguez earned his 6th. First time winners in the SJL included Boston first baseman Kyle Adams, Houston center fielder Chris Heisler, and Boston right fielder Jose Meraz.

Denver's Brett Taranto was the lone Silver Slugger winner on his team- it is third time winning this award. Los Angeles catcher Jason Ott got his 5th Silver Slugger trophy. Among the first time winners of this award in the MGL were Detroit veteran shortstop Ren-qing Leong, Portland center fielder Quincy Schultz, and Charlotte right fielder Eric Hammock.
Over in the SJL, Boston third baseman Chris Tobin won his 10th Silver Slugger award and San Antonio's Bud Lindsay his 8th. First time winners included veteran starting pitcher Dan Bottom (El Paso), Boston first baseman Kyle Adams, Philadelphia center fielder Mike Florack, and San Antonio right fielder Mike Shervey.

The Shoeless Joe League Rookie of the Year award winner was Pittsburgh's 27-year old right fielder Steven Kelley, who got a chance to shine this year due to the season-ending injury to superstar Matt Van der Heyden.



The Moonlight Graham League Rookie of the Year was Baltimore center fielder Noel McMillan.




The Reliever of the Year in the SJL was Rich Davis of El Paso. This is the first time he has earned this award.



And in the MGL, the Reliever of the Year was the fantastically talented Charlotte Sting closer Vinny Arreola. It is Arreola's first such award but it would not be a surprise if he won a few more before his career is over.