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Cyclones’ Molina earns Sterling Award for standout season

September 22, 2014 Jim Dolan

At Citi Field on September 15, New York Mets Minor League Director John Miller (left) along with General Manager Sandy Alderson presented Brooklyn pitcher Marcos Molina the Sterling Award as the Cyclones’ MVP of the 2014 season.

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“He’s on the fast track,” said Brooklyn Cyclone Manager Tom Gamboa evaluating Marcos Molina’s pitching performance early in the season. Remaining on that track, the 19-year-old Dominican right-handed pitcher rode this season’s performance straight to Citi Field for the presentation of the annual New York Mets’ Sterling Awards as the Cyclones’ 2014 MVP player.

Along with 10 other players from the New York Mets’ various minor league levels, Molina was recognized as being the top pitcher in the New York Penn League, winning the Triple Crown. With a record of 7-3, Molina was first in strikeouts with 91, first with the lowest ERA of 1.77 and first with the lowest WHIP of 0.84 (walks and hits to innings pitched).

Throughout the season, Molina exhibited his ability to hold his opponents to a .170 batting average with his control and ability to locate his pitches. Based on his performance at mid-season, Molina was named as the starting pitcher for this year’s New York Penn League’s All Star Game for the South minor league affiliates this past August 19 at MCU Park.

When asked how he was able to improve throughout the season, Molina stated that he gradually gained confidence with each successful outing. In addition to steady improvement, Molina also credited the Brooklyn coaching staff for its help, especially Mets roving minor league coach Edgardo Alfonzo who acted as a mentor for the young Latin players on the Cyclones.