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Fernandez 114 mph Double; Tryon 23 RBIs, Stanfield Sets Record

6/30/2026

29 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Catcher Jose Fernandez hit a 114 mph double on June 20, the season’s hardest hit.
Outfielder Jarren Purify posted a .344/.454/.534 line in 40 games, now batting .313/.433.
First baseman Ben Tryon leads with 23 RBIs, a .351/.444/.532 slash and a grand slam.
Slugger Chris Stanfield stole four bases, hit .327 and set a 112.1 mph home-run record.
Pitcher Drew Koenen joined Mahoning Valley on June 18, using a 92.1 mph cutter and high-spin sweeper.

History

Historical Context

The 1998 MLB season revived fan interest after the 1994 strike when Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa chased Roger Maris’s 61-HR record, with McGwire finishing at 70 home runs and Sosa at 66. Their dramatic race sparked a league-wide focus on power hitting and velocity, a trend that still shapes scouting of prospects such as Mahoning Valley’s sluggers.

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Story summary

Catcher Jose Fernandez hit a 114 mph double on June 20, the season’s hardest hit.
Outfielder Jarren Purify posted a .344/.454/.534 line in 40 games, now batting .313/.433.
First baseman Ben Tryon leads with 23 RBIs, a .351/.444/.532 slash and a grand slam.
Slugger Chris Stanfield stole four bases, hit .327 and set a 112.1 mph home-run record.
Pitcher Drew Koenen joined Mahoning Valley on June 18, using a 92.1 mph cutter and high-spin sweeper.

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