MVP Insider Investigation: 2019 Rookie of the Year

For years, MVP’s award system went through a single authority: Tom Loesch. The former GM’s choices were often intuitive and sometimes mind boggling. And with no formal record keeping or digital trail, the Loesch era left behind a legacy of hieroglyphic stats, oral folklore, and the occasional “Tom had too much to drink” moments. MVP Insider takes a deep dive into one moment that landed atop the pile: the 2019 Rookie of the Year Award.

That season, MVP clinched their elusive third DSSL championship, their first since 2012. Two rookies stood out: Kyle Baylous and Tom Brady, both making invaluable contributions. When the dust settled, it would be the speedy infielder, Kyle Baylous taking home the hardware, despite Brady’s unreal offensive campaign.

Let’s examine…

The Candidates

Kyle Baylous

• 7 Games
• 14 Hits
• .467 AVG
• Defensive anchor in INF, pre-Gold Glove era
• MVP Legacy: father Mr. Baylous, brothers-in-law Mike Gengler and Ryan James all current or former MVP players.

Tom Brady

• 8 Games
• 26 Hits (Team Lead)
• .722 AVG
• Offensive heartbeat for MVP’s championship run
• 2018 MVP Call-up

Brady’s final numbers are unreal. His .722 average would’ve made him a batting champ under today’s minimums. He led the team, especially when they had to fill an offensive void caused by foreign affairs. Meanwhile, KB was MVP’s best defensive player then as he is now, and his presence was a symbolic bridge to a younger MVP infielder.

So, why did KB win?

MVP Insider’s Theory

This was clearly a calculated move.

Loesch never just handed out awards without his reason. Reward loyalty, keep guys close, and secure futures were the driver factors behind every Loesch move.

And no one mattered more to Tom than Ryan James.

Ryan’s return from Georgia in 2019 reignited Loesch’s obsession to keep his MVP crush within shouting distance. KB wasn’t just a promising rookie, he was RJ’s brother-in-law.

Awarding him Rookie of the Year wasn’t just a nod to performance, at least not with Brady in the mix. Sources close to Loesch claim this was a strategic move to keep RJ in the fold, especially with a championship within reach.

The Aftermath

Was KB deserving? Absolutely. Was Brady snubbed? Statistically, yes. But the real question isn’t who earned it, it’s why the decision was made.

MVP’s awards transcended merit, they were leverage, and in 2019, Rookie of the Year may have been the price of keeping Ryan James.

Or, maybe Tom forgot it was Brady’s rookie year.

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