Jason Kubel named EL’s MVP for month of April

New York, NY — The Chase Bank has named New Britain Rock Cats outfielder Jason Kubel as the Eastern League’s Chase Most Valuable Player for the month of April. The 5’11”, 190 lb. Palmdale, California native had an excellent month for New Britain, hitting .416 with seven doubles, two triples, three home runs, 12 runs scored, 13 RBI, nine walks, a .471 on-base percentage and a .675 slugging percentage in 20 games. The 22-year old currently leads the league in hits (39) and slugging percentage (.698) and is also ranked among the league leaders in doubles (12-tied 1st), batting average (.406-2nd), extra-base hits (18-2nd) and on-base percentage (.468-2nd). Jason, who was ranked by Baseball America as the eighth best prospect in the Twins organization prior to the 2004 season, was selected by the Minnesota Twins in the 12th round of the June 2000 draft.

Kubel will receive his award later this month in an on-field presentation at New Britain Stadium in New Britain, Connecticut and he will also be recognized at the Chase MVP Awards banquet when the season ending award winners are announced.

Now in its eighth season, the Chase Awards Program is designed to recognize the monthly achievements and season long accomplishments of Eastern League players. Chase and the Eastern League will name a monthly most valuable player throughout the season, as well as a season ending Chase Eastern League MVP. In addition, Chase will select a Chase Pitcher of the Year, Chase Rookie of the Year and a Chase Manager of the Year at the end of the season. All award winners are chosen by Eastern League sports writers and radio announcers and will be recognized at a season ending awards banquet.

The Chase Bank is one of the largest banks in the United States and ranks among the largest in the world. Chase has been a prominent sponsor of other elite professional and amateur sports worldwide, including the USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award, and the Chase Corporate Challenge. Chase is also the founding sponsor of the New York City Marathon.