Gordon named to Topps Major League Rookie All-Star Team
The 23-year-old becomes the first-ever Dodger shortstop to be honored
LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Dee Gordon was named to the Topps Major League Rookie All-Star Team, the Topps Company announced today.
The 23-year-old emerged as the Dodgers’ everyday shortstop and leadoff hitter by the end of the season, appearing in 56 games over two stints with the club. Gordon posted the second-highest batting average among Major League rookies (min. 200 at-bats) with a .304 mark, which was the fifth highest ever by a Los Angeles rookie. The Florida native also tied for second among big league rookies with 24 steals, ranking fifth all-time among Dodger rookies.
The Dodgers’ fourth-round selection in the 2008 First-Year Player Draft made his Major League debut on June 6 at Philadelphia and after struggling in his initial call-up, the speedster batted .345 over 34 games in his second stint with the big league club following his July 31st recall. That mark was the fifth-highest among qualifying National League hitters in the second half.
Gordon was recognized as the Gillette presents National League Rookie of the Month in September, batting .372 with a league-leading 42 hits in 26 games. Gordon also ranked second in the league with 12 steals in the month to go along with his 21 runs scored, seven doubles, one triple and six RBI. He posted a career-long 11-game hitting streak from Sept. 13-24, batting .400 (18-for-45) during the run, and set a career high with four hits on Sept. 8 at Washington.
Gordon is the first Dodger shortstop and the 20th all-time Los Angeles player to be selected as a Topps Major League Rookie All-Star in the 53 years of the award. First baseman James Loney was the last Dodger to be selected to the Topps All-Rookie team in 2007.