His teammates and manager said he had a poised demeanor about him that was typical of someone much older and more experienced. His poise has paid off, as the 18-year-old turned in a sparkling season and has been named the winner of the Royal Canadian Society of Letters and Athletics Reliever of the Year Award for 1991.
The Bruck an der Mur, Austria native won the award with 12 saves in 19 relief appearances, 33 strikeouts in 23 innings and a record of 2-2 to go with his 1.57 ERA.