United League Rookie of the Month – Danny Patterson (Arizona Diamondbacks)
Arizona’s Danny Patterson capped off a breakout rookie campaign with another dominant month, earning United League Rookie of the Month honors. The 27-year-old right-hander went 1–1 in September while recording a stellar 1.08 ERA over 16.2 innings of relief. He struck out 12 batters and limited opponents to a .140 average. For the season, Patterson has made 60 appearances, collecting 38 saves with an 8–3 record, 1.70 ERA, and 65 strikeouts in 79.1 innings.
Federal League Rookie of the Month – Jason Giambi (Chicago Cubs)
Chicago’s Jason Giambi continued to impress in his debut season, earning Federal League Rookie of the Month honors. The 25-year-old first baseman batted .317 in September with 32 hits, 7 home runs, 23 RBIs, and 21 runs scored. Giambi has been a key offensive force for Chicago all year, hitting .284 with 170 hits, 44 home runs, 116 RBIs, and 111 runs scored.
United League Pitcher of the Month – Tom Glavine (New York Mets)
New York’s Tom Glavine delivered another month of consistency and command, securing United League Pitcher of the Month honors. The 30-year-old southpaw went 4–1 in September with a 1.96 ERA over 46 innings, striking out 42 and holding opposing hitters to a .188 average. Glavine’s steady presence has been vital for the Mets, as he finishes the regular season with a 16–10 record and 3.34 ERA in 33 starts.
Federal League Pitcher of the Month – José Rijo (Cincinnati Reds)
Veteran right-hander José Rijo added another accolade to his stellar career by earning the Federal League Pitcher of the Month award. Rijo was masterful in September, going 3–0 with a sparkling 0.79 ERA and 33 strikeouts across 34 innings in five starts. For the season, he holds a 15–8 record with a 3.27 ERA, once again anchoring the Reds’ rotation.
United League Batter of the Month – Ken Griffey Jr. (Seattle Pilots)
Seattle’s Ken Griffey Jr. continued his historic season with a sensational September performance to claim the United League Batter of the Month Award. The 26-year-old superstar hit .349 with 18 home runs, 40 RBIs, and 32 runs scored in just 25 games. Griffey Jr. finishes the regular season hitting .311 with 191 hits, 68 home runs, 159 RBIs, and 139 runs scored—cementing his place as one of the league’s all-time greats.
Federal League Batter of the Month – Brian Giles (St. Louis Cardinals)
St. Louis outfielder Brian Giles capped off a phenomenal season by earning his second straight Batter of the Month honor. The 25-year-old slugger hit .351 in September with 9 home runs, 20 RBIs, and 23 runs scored. For the season, Giles has been one of the league’s most complete hitters, finishing with a .332 average, 56 home runs, and 152 RBIs.
These six standout performances highlight the extraordinary talent and competitive spirit that defined the 1996 regular season in the Doubleday Baseball League.
Congratulations to all of September’s award winners on their remarkable achievements and season-long excellence.