TROY, NY - Tri-City ValleyCats designated hitter Denis Phipps has been named the Frontier League of Professional Baseball's Designated Hitter of the Year.

"What can I say about Phippsy that I haven't said a million times before," said 'Cats Manager Pete Incaviglia. "Denis is the billboard for independent baseball. He's a guy that should've been in the big leagues for eight years, not the minors and independent ball."

The 37-year-old designated hitter registered a .296 batting average and topped the league with 33 home runs. He tied for second on the circuit with 91 RBI, while slugging .648.

Phipps, the team's eldest statesman, tallied 101 hits on the season, with 54 of them going for extra bases.

"Denis is an unbelievable hitter, true professional, and outstanding veteran presence for our team," said Matt Callahan. "We're grateful to have him as a member of the ValleyCats organization and excited to see him recognized for such a great season."

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.