Colling Cowgill; Photo: UK Athletics

Earlier we released out first-half MLB awards, so now we’ll look at the best performances from Kentucky Minor League players. Eligible players were born in the state or attended a Kentucky college or high school. Double A and AAA all-star breaks were also this week, but most of the low-level minor leagues had their breaks several weeks ago. Still awards are based on stats for full-season minor leaguers as of July 15.

Hitter of the first half: OF Collin Cowgill (AA Mobile)

• Lexington native and former University of Kentucky outfielder Collin Cowgill has experienced his best professional season since the Arizona Diamondbacks drafted him in the fifth round in 2008. Cowgill is batting .290 with 10 home runs, 59 RBI and 61 runs scored during the first half for Mobile. The outfielder boasted a .359 on-base percentage and .463 slugging percentage. Cowgill also stole 15 bases in 86 games.
• Honorable Mention: OF Ben Revere (AA New Britain), OF Jake Shaffer (High A High Desert), 3B Christopher Dominguez (Low A Augusta)

Pitcher of the first half: LHP Robbie Ross (High A Bakersfield)

• Lexington Christian Academy alum Robbie Ross spent most of the first half with low A Greensboro of the South Atlantic League before earning a promotion to high A Bakersfield last week, where he has made one start. In 17 starts this season Ross is 8-8 with a 2.65 ERA. Ross has struck out 67 batters while walking 22 in 98 and one-third innings. Opponents have batted .245 against Ross on the season.
• Honorable Mention: RHP Marty Popham (High A Kinston), RHP Nathan Adcock (High A Bradenton), LHP Christopher Rusin (High A Daytona), RHP Trystan Magnuson (AA New Hampshire)