JUPITER, FL (November 18, 2009) – Only two years ago, Chris Coghlan was playing right here in Jupiter at Roger Dean Stadium for the Jupiter Hammerheads and on Monday, November 16th was given the Rookie of the Year Award for the National League.
In May, the Marlins took Coghlan from the Triple-A New Orleans to give him a shot at the outfield after a lifetime of playing second and third base. The 24-year-old quickly proved himself after topping NL rookies in batting average, runs, hits, total bases and on-base percentage becoming the third Florida player to win the award joining Hanley Ramirez (2006) and Dontrelle Willis (2003).
“It wasn’t the easiest transition,” Coghlan said. “I just tried to work as hard as I could to get as comfortable as I could in the outfield.”
After winning on Monday Coghlan was reminded of his father, who tragically passed in 2001. “It makes me smile outside and inside, because he was the one who instilled the work ethic in me and taught me the game,” Coghlan said of his father.
This next year may include more change for Coghlan depending on the placement of two-time All-Star Dan Uggla, but it seems that no matter where he is placed his dedication, hard-work and talent will exceed.
Make sure to come out to Roger Dean Stadium this April to see the Jupiter Hammerheads and Palm Beach Cardinals work their way to stardom. You never know who will be next!!
About Jupiter Stadium, LLC: Opened in 1998, this $28 million complex/stadium is the only venue in the country specially designed to host 4 professional baseball teams, two Major League and two Minor League teams. The stadium is home to the Florida Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals for Spring Training. The Florida State League’s Jupiter Hammerheads (Single-A Affiliate of the Florida Marlins) and Palm Beach Cardinals (Single-A Affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals) make their home at Roger Dean Stadium from April through Labor Day. Roger Dean Stadium is very active in the community through the local Chambers and donations to local events and charities. This year round facility can accommodate the smallest birthday party to the largest corporate outing, while never forgetting that each and every fan is our most important product.
