Fitzgerald named Eastern League Player of the Month

RICHMOND, Va. – Richmond Flying Squirrels shortstop Tyler Fitzgerald has been named the Eastern League Player of the Month for April, Minor League Baseball announced on Thursday afternoon.

Fitzgerald, who was the Flying Squirrels’ Most Valuable Player in 2022, was promoted to Triple-A Sacramento on Tuesday.

For the month of April, Fitzgerald hit .324 (22-for-68) with two homers, six doubles, three triples and nine RBIs. He also worked nine walks, posting a .410 on-base percentage, and stole three bases.

Fitz on fire 🔥 pic.twitter.com/4wS1AsiZdm

— Richmond Flying Squirrels (@GoSquirrels) April 19, 2023

Through the season’s first calendar month, Fitzgerald led the Eastern League in triples (3), ranked second in extra-base hits (11), third in batting average (.324), total bases (40), slugging percentage (.588) and was tied for third in runs scored (15). He also ranked fourth in OPS (.998) and tied for fourth in hits (22).

Fitzgerald, a native of Springfield, Ill., was selected by the San Francisco Giants in the fourth round of the 2019 MLB Draft out of the University of Louisville.

Three bags and a steak for @Tyler_Fitz10 pic.twitter.com/R6PGZWd9DU

— Richmond Flying Squirrels (@GoSquirrels) April 15, 2023

Last year, Fitzgerald became the first player in franchise history to record 20-for-more homers and stolen bases in a single season. He made his Triple-A debut for the River Cats on Wednesday and collected his first hit.

The Flying Squirrels are home to face the Altoona Curve, Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, through Sunday. Tickets are available online at SquirrelsBaseball.com/Tickets, by phone at 804-359-FUNN (3866) or in person at the Flying Squirrels ticket office.