American Association Daily provides insights, features, and recaps of the action from around the American Association of Professional Baseball League, as well as player and coaching profiles and transactions. In today’s edition, Kane County Cougars right-hander Jack Fox is named as the American Association Rookie of the Year by This Week in the Association and the Minor League Sports Report.

Kane County Cougars RHP Jack Fox named American Association’s Top Rookie

On Thursday, This Week in the Association and the Minor League Sports Report named Kane County Cougars right-hander Jack Fox as the American Association Rookie of the Year. Fox led the American Association in victories with 11 while finishing fourth in ERA (3.04).

The right-hander began the season splitting time between the starting rotation and the bullpen, but quickly became a fixture in the starting rotation, where he made 16 starts and two relief appearances. Despite making four or five fewer starts than most of the other starters who won 10 games, Fox made the most of his opportunities, earning decisions in all but two of his starts.

Fox earned victories in each of his first six decisions, starting with a win against the Cleburne Railroaders on May 15. After two appearances where he did not earn a decision, he won five straight decisions, earning a victory out of the bullpen where he tossed 2.1 scoreless frames against the Winnipeg Goldeyes, then had four straight victories as a starter. During the five-game winning streak, Fox allowed just three earned runs in 24.1 innings.

He suffered his first loss of the season against the Milwaukee Milkmen on July 19, alternating losses and wins over his next six decisions. He finished the 2020 season strong, earning three straight victories. In his final three starts, Fox allowed four earned runs in 17.0 innings pitched.

The right-hander went 11-3 with a 3.04 ERA. He tossed 91.2 innings, allowing 93 hits and 44 walks while striking out 73.

Fox is in his second season with the Kane County Cougars. He pitched with the team in 2021, going 3-5 with a 4.26 ERA. The right-hander graduated from Lander University (Greenwood, South Carolina) in 2021. In four college seasons, Fox went 9-19 with a 3.03 ERA and 52 appearances, 31 of which were starts.

Others Deserving Mention

Jack Fox beat out teammate Westin Muir and Gary SouthShore RailCats outfielder Jesus Marriaga for the Rookie of the Year award.

Muir finished undefeated, going 7-0 in nine starts and eight relief appearances. The right-hander posted a 3.77 ERA, allowing 58 hits and 30 walks while striking out 34 in 59.2 innings pitched.

Marriaga appeared in 71 games for the RailCats. He hit .307 with 54 runs scored, six homers, and 61 RBI. Marriaga also stole 21 bases.

By Robert Pannier