The Doubleday Baseball League proudly announces its Players of the Month for May 1996, recognizing the standout hitters, pitchers, and rookies from across both leagues. From blossoming young stars to veteran arms, May showcased another thrilling chapter of the season.
Federal League Batter of the Month – Chipper Jones (Texas Rangers)
At just 24 years old, Chipper Jones took his game to new heights in May, cementing himself as one of the premier bats in the DBL. The Texas third baseman hit a scorching .404, launching 12 home runs and driving in 34 runs while scoring 27 times. For the season, Jones owns a .330 average with 17 homers, 52 RBIs, and 41 runs scored, proving he’s a cornerstone of the Rangers’ lineup.
United League Batter of the Month – Vladimir Guerrero (Washington Nationals)
Though still a newcomer to the league, Vladimir Guerrero made an immediate impression in May. The 21-year-old Washington outfielder hit .365 across 27 games, collecting 42 hits, 13 home runs, 34 RBIs, and 29 runs scored. On the season, Guerrero is batting .282 with 16 homers and 47 RBIs, playing well beyond his years and establishing himself as one of the brightest young stars in the UL.
Federal League Pitcher of the Month – John Smoltz (Orlando Devil Rays)
Veteran ace John Smoltz turned in a dominant May, going 4-0 in 5 starts with a 1.51 ERA. Over 35.2 innings, he struck out 50 hitters while holding opponents to a minuscule .136 average. For the season, the 29-year-old right-hander is 7-2 with a 2.62 ERA, reaffirming his role as the anchor of Orlando’s rotation.
United League Pitcher of the Month – Mark Guthrie (Montreal Expos)
Left-hander Mark Guthrie gave Montreal everything they could ask for in May. In six starts, the veteran went 5-1 with a 1.41 ERA, striking out 50 batters in 51 innings. Guthrie’s consistency has been a major factor in Montreal’s success this season, as he now sits at 8-2 with a 2.40 ERA through 11 starts.
Federal League Rookie of the Month – Jason Giambi (Chicago White Sox)
Chicago first baseman Jason Giambi continues to impress in his rookie campaign, picking up his second straight Rookie of the Month award. The 25-year-old slugged .330 in May with 11 home runs, 29 RBIs, and 22 runs scored. On the season, Giambi is hitting .324 with 21 homers, showing no signs of slowing down.
United League Rookie of the Month – Vladimir Guerrero (Washington Nationals)
Vladimir Guerrero not only earned UL Batter of the Month honors, but he also doubled up as the league’s top rookie for May. The Washington phenom combined his .365 average with 13 home runs and 34 RBIs, a level of production rarely seen from such a young player. With 16 homers already this season, Guerrero’s rapid rise has electrified both his team and the league as a whole.
May 1996 delivered a mix of veteran dominance and rookie brilliance, proving once again that every month brings new stars to the forefront of the DBL.
Congratulations to all of the May Players of the Month.