The 20-year-old Crystal Beach, FL native's outstanding 2004 campaign just got better as he was named the Midwest League's Most Valuable Player and the Prospect of the Year on Wednesday. The first baseman becomes the first Lugnut player to capture the league MVP award. The Midwest League All-Star was also named to the 2004 Midwest League Post-Season All-Star squad with Lugnut teammates Kevin Collins and Clay Rapada, who also joined Dopirak in Cedar Rapids earlier in the season for the All-Star Game. The three Lansing players are the most from any team. In all, nine of the 14 Midwest League teams were represented.

Dopirak, who has set new franchise records in homeruns and runs batted in this season, is currently batting .297 with 36 homers and 102 runs batted in. He earlier collected a 27-game hitting streak, the second longest in Lugnuts' history and the third longest in all of minor league baseball. In the Midwest League, Dopirak is currently second in total hits, runs batted in, doubles and slugging percentage. His 68 extra-base hits lead the league.

Collins, who missed more than three weeks with a shoulder separation, is also having a monster year for the Lugnuts. Named as an outfielder, the Tampa, FL native has knocked out 31 homers and leads the league in overall slugging percentage. His 24 doubles are second on the club and he trails Dopirak by 12 for the lead in extra-base hits. On the season, he is batting .286 with 31 homers and 76 RBI.

Rapada, the lefty relief specialist from Chesapeake, VA, has amassed a 6-5 record in a team-high 52 appearances while compiling a 2.14 ERA. From April 18th through May 28th, Rapada did not allow an earned run over 15 outings, a season-high for relievers.

The Lugnuts open defense of their 2003 Midwest League Championship on Wednesday, September 8th as they play Game 1 of the Midwest League Divisional Series on the road at a site to be determined. Game 2 is the next night at Olds Park with fans enjoying a Molson Thirsty Thursday ($2.00 beers, $2.00 sodas and four buffalo style chicken wings for just $2.00).