Goodrum named Tenth Man Award winner
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DETROIT -- Niko Goodrum found a place on the Tigers' roster with his hard work all over the field. He'll find an award waiting for him when he returns to town for the Winter Caravan and TigerFest next month.
Goodrum, who vaulted from non-roster invitee in Spring Training, to super-utility player on Opening Day, to everyday contributor by season's end, has been named the winner of the 2018 Bill MacAdam Tenth Man Award, presented annually by the Detroit Baseball Society.
Goodrum will receive his award, named after the Detroit Baseball Society's founder, at the 18th annual Detroit Baseball Dinner, scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 26 at the Polish American Cultural Center in nearby Troy, Mich. Previous winners include John Hicks, Andrew Romine, Don Kelly and Quintin Berry.
Goodrum joined the Tigers as a Minor League free agent last offseason after making his Major League debut with Minnesota in 2017. The former Twins second-round pick made an Opening Day roster for the first time in his career with a breakthrough Spring Training, then carried the momentum into the season to earn his chance at regular playing time.
Goodrum played all over the field to find that playing time -- 64 games at second base, 37 at first, 12 at shortstop, 11 games in left, 10 at third and eight in right. He took advantage of those at-bats to hit .245 (109-for-444) with a .747 OPS, slugging 29 doubles, three triples and 16 home runs to go with 53 RBIs and 12 stolen bases.
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The 26-year-old Goodrum posted three four-hit games, tying him for the most among Major League rookies in 2018. His 48 extra-base hits and 42 walks placed him second amongst American League rookies, while his doubles and stolen bases were third.
The Detroit Baseball Dinner is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET on Jan. 26. Tickets and additional information are available at detroitbaseballdinner.com.