The Doubleday Baseball League is proud to recognize its top performers for the month of July 1996, honoring excellence from both leagues in pitching, hitting, and rookie achievements.
United League Rookie of the Month – Scott Karl (Arizona Diamondbacks)
Arizona left-hander Scott Karl continues to turn heads in his first full season, earning United League Rookie of the Month honors for July. The 27-year-old posted a perfect 6–0 record with a 2.06 ERA across 48 innings, striking out 36 batters while holding opponents to a .200 average. For the season, Karl has started 22 games, compiling a 16–4 record with a 3.25 ERA and 127 strikeouts in 174.2 innings.
Federal League Rookie of the Month – Scott Rolen (Cincinnati Reds)
Cincinnati third baseman Scott Rolen continued his remarkable rookie campaign, capturing his second consecutive Federal League Rookie of the Month award. The 21-year-old hit .297 in July, recording 30 hits, 7 home runs, 24 RBIs, and 14 runs scored. On the season, Rolen is batting .301 with 24 home runs and has quickly established himself as one of the most promising young hitters in the league.
United League Pitcher of the Month – Scott Karl (Arizona Diamondbacks)
In addition to his rookie honors, Scott Karl was also named the United League Pitcher of the Month for July — a rare double distinction. The Diamondbacks’ southpaw went 6–0 with a 2.06 ERA in six starts, striking out 36 while issuing just 13 walks over 48 innings. Karl’s poise and consistency have anchored Arizona’s rotation as the club continues to surge in the standings.
Federal League Pitcher of the Month – Rob Dibble (Minnesota Twins)
Minnesota closer Rob Dibble dominated out of the bullpen throughout July, earning Federal League Pitcher of the Month recognition. The 32-year-old right-hander appeared in nine games, recording a 3–0 mark with five saves, 25 strikeouts, and a 0.00 ERA over 14.2 innings. For the season, Dibble has collected 17 saves, a 5–1 record, and a 1.36 ERA in 32 appearances.
United League Batter of the Month – Ken Griffey Jr. (Seattle Pilots)
Seattle’s Ken Griffey Jr. continued his MVP-caliber season by capturing United League Batter of the Month honors for July. The 26-year-old center fielder hit .323 with 13 home runs, 27 RBIs, and 22 runs scored, once again demonstrating his ability to change games with both power and consistency. For the year, Griffey is hitting .308 with 42 home runs, 95 RBIs, and 82 runs scored.
Federal League Batter of the Month – Brian S. Giles (St. Louis Cardinals)
St. Louis outfielder Brian Giles powered his way to Federal League Batter of the Month honors after a dominant showing in July. The 25-year-old slugger batted .360 with 14 home runs, 31 RBIs, and 24 runs scored, solidifying his role as one of the league’s brightest young power hitters. Giles enters August hitting .324 with 38 home runs on the season.
These performances highlight the exceptional balance of veteran dominance and emerging talent that continues to define the 1996 Doubleday Baseball League season.
Congratulations to all six players on their outstanding achievements in July.