Brookhaven Academy product Corey Dickerson was recently namedClass-A Rookie League Best Hitter of the Year. The award, which wasvoted on by players, coaches, and fans throughout the nation, isone of many the Colorado Rockies 2010 – 8th Round pick was honoredwith this season.

Dickerson batted .348 with 13 home runs, 61 RBIs, and stole 12bases, with the Rockies’ Rookie Level Single-A system in Casper,Wy. this summer. He was named Pioneer League First-Team All-Starand a ‘Top Prospect’ in the Rockies organization.

Life as a baseball player includes many road trips and newadventures. Dickerson adjusted and just completed instructionleague in Arizona where he was closely monitored by Rockiesmanagement and staff. He will spend the next five months restingand working out in preparation for Spring Training in March.

“It was a long, but fun year,” said Dickerson. “I’m looking forwardto Spring Training and the next season. My coaches told me not topick up a bat until December, to rest up and take it easy for awhile.”

For 10 months, Dickerson played games day in and day out. Hestarted the year playing center field with Meridian CommunityCollege on Jan. 28, and didn’t get a break until early June. Hebatted .459 with 21 home runs and 71 RBIs at MCC before the Rockiesdrafted him June 8.

The Rockies quickly signed Dickerson and sent him to Casper wherehe started the Pioneer League season off with a bang with theCasper Ghosts on June 10. Through his first 12 games, he batted.600 and hit four home runs, rotating starts at center and rightfield.

“Corey’s one of those type of ballplayers you don’t see veryoften,” said Rockies Scout Damon Ianelli, who scouted Dickerson thelast two seasons as a Southeastern Regional Supervisor for theclub. “He’s a hard worker, a true competitor, and just atalent.”

During his three month stay in Wyoming, Dickerson broke two leaguerecords for doubles (22) and triples (10) hit in a season. He alsogot to play with current Colorado Rockies first baseman ToddHelton, who was on rehab assignment in July.

“Todd Helton’s a cool guy,” said Dickerson. “He and I talked a lot.Being in the same lineup with him was an experience.”

Voting ended Tuesday for all Minor League Awards. Dickerson’s honoras Best Hitter in the Rookie League, came as no surprise toIanelli.

“I’m not shocked,” added Ianelli. “Not shocked one bit, becauseCorey can flat out hit.”

Phone calls and text messages congratulating Dickerson followedafter voting was over and results posted on the minor leaguebaseball website.

“I’d like to thank everyone that voted,” said Dickerson.”Especially all my family and friends.”

At 6-foot-2 and 210-pounds, Dickerson is only 21-years old with anopportunity of a lifetime ahead of him of someday playing in theMajor Leagues.

“That’s my goal, ” said Dickerson. “My number one goal.”

Before leaving for Spring Training, Dickerson plans to hold abaseball camp for area youth at his old high school, BrookhavenAcademy, in January or February. Right now his plans are to visitfamily and friends, and relaxing before next season arrives.

“I’ll relax for a few weeks, before I start back working out,” saidDickerson. “In this game you can’t lose focus. Because it’s a365-day deal.”