TROY, NY - Tri-City ValleyCats infielder Brantley Bell has been named the Frontier League of Professional Baseball's Most Valuable Player.

"He is probably the most prepared, talented player I've ever had in independent baseball," said ValleyCats Manager Pete Incaviglia when asked about his second baseman, in the midst of a record-setting season, his first in independent baseball.

Bell, one of three 'Cats to represent Tri-City in Washington, PA at this year's Frontier League All-Star Game, embarked into the world of independent baseball this season after six seasons in the Cincinnati Reds organization and reaching as high as Triple-A Louisville. He led the league with a .368 batting average, to go along with 24 home runs, 81 RBI, 32 stolen bases.  Bell, who slugged .656 and reached base at a .432 clip, topped the circuit with 246 total bases. He had a league-leading 138 hits, the most by any ValleyCats player in a single-season. The 27-year-old broke the franchise's hit record, previously held by Juan Silverio, while on a 29-game hitting streak, the longest in franchise history. 

"Brantley has had an amazing season and we're thrilled to see him recognized with this well-deserved MVP award," said Matt Callahan, ValleyCats Vice President & General Manager, "Not only is he a phenomenal player but he's also a great teammate and person."

The ValleyCats, in the midst of a battle for a spot in the Frontier League playoffs, close a three-game series with the Sussex County Miners tonight at 6:30 pm. Get your tickets to support the 'Cats in their push for the postseason by calling (518) 629-2287, going online, or stopping by the box office.