(Madison, WI) The Madison Mallards have re-signed Sun Prairie native and 2009 Team MVP Kurtis Muller, a junior outfielder for the Iowa Hawkeyes, for the upcoming season.
Muller, who dreamed of playing for the Mallards when he was a member of the team’s ballpark cleaning crew for two summers ending in 2007, enjoyed a magical two months last season in leading the offense-heavy ballclub with a .335 batting average.
Accolades for the youngster began near the season’s halfway point as he was named to the Northwoods League Mid-Season All-Star Team in June after hitting .302 with 7 doubles, 3 home runs, and 15 RBI through the first 42 games. He was also hitting an eye-popping .388 on the road at that mark.
“It was a huge honor to be named an all-star and a great feeling to know that you’re grouped together with the best of the best in all of the Northwoods League,” said Muller from his home in Iowa City.
Muller sure made his mark in the All-Star Game, held at the Thunder Bay Border Cats’ home, Port Arthur Stadium, in Ontario, Canada.
In an immensely competitive affair, Muller finished the contest going 3-for-5 at the plate with two stolen bases, and was named the game’s “Star of Stars.” His team, the South Division, won the game 4-2; fitting because Muller doesn’t lose often, even if the game doesn’t count in the standings (he won back-to-back WIAA State Baseball Championships with the Cardinals in 2005 and 2006).
Although his season ended abruptly on July 26 when his right calf was struck with a baseball during an at-bat against the Waterloo Bucks, Muller still went on to lead the team in average (.335), runs (40), triples (2), stolen bases (19), and on-base percentage (.409).
Even though he missed the season’s last 17 games, Muller was named to the NWL Post-Season All-Star Team for his still-impressive body of work.
So what does he have left to prove this summer?
For one, Muller points to the large gap between his batting average at home (.242) and that on the road (.422). Despite playing one fewer game in foreign ballparks, he accumulated 20 more hits, 6 more doubles, and 8 more runs while on the road.
To this day, Muller is still puzzled after looking at those numbers. “You know, I was talking to (Manager) C.J. late in the year after I was injured and asked him why I had posted great numbers on the road but struggled at times at home, and neither of us could come up with a reason,” said Muller.
“My approach during each at-bat didn’t change even though I was in different environments. It’s just one of those things that happen in the crazy game of baseball.” Also, being a draft-eligible junior, the former Sun Prairie star has his sights set on the MLB Draft held in June. But that’s another three months away, and right now, Muller has his attention set solely on helping the Hawkeyes win their next game.
“I’m going to let the draft do its thing and if something good comes from it, then I’ll certainly appreciate that moment. But now, I’m still focused on having a special season in Iowa City and continueto build momentum heading into my time in Madison this summer,” said Muller.
“There’s truly no better place to watch a Mallards game than at the “Duck Pond,” and I cannot wait to bring that energy back to our great fans beginning June 2.”
Opening Day 2010 for the Mallards is Wednesday, June 2 against the Wisconsin Woodchucks at 7:05 p.m. Single-game tickets will go on sale Saturday, May 8 at 9 a.m.
