Despite falling short of their primary goal of a championship in 2011, the Kansas City T-Bones saw a number of outstanding individual performances on the campaign, highlighted by the 100-RBI season posted by veteran outfielder Ray Sadler.
 
Sadler, 30, reached the 100-RBI mark in the T-Bones’ regular-season finale on August 30 with a four-RBI performance at the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks. The veteran outfielder finished the game two-for-four with two home runs and bested the previous franchise single-season RBI record of 94, set by Eddie Pearson in 2004. Sadler fell just three shy of the American Association single-season mark of 103, set by Cesar Nicolas of Grand Prairie in 2009.

The season finale was also Sadler’s 100th start of the year, making him the first T-Bones player to start 100 games in a single season. Sadler hit .315/.387/.543 on the campaign while blasting 22 home runs, tied for second in the league in that category.

Sadler was also named to the 2011 American Association Post-Season All-Star Team as an outfielder by league managers and media personnel.

Former major leaguer and Kansas City native David Segui, who reached the 100-RBI mark in 2000 as a member of the Texas Rangers and Cleveland Indians, offered his take on Sadler’s accomplishment:

“To reach the 100-RBI mark is very difficult at any level,” Segui said, “and it’s a heck of an accomplishment to reach that number in just 100 games. More than just athleticism and talent, it takes preparation and focus to succeed at the professional level; and it’s the players that can do it every day that enjoy longer careers. It’s cool to see a guy like that post the kind of season Ray did, and I hope fans can appreciate the work he puts into his profession.”

Teammate Keanon Simon also took an eraser to the record books with 16 triples in 2011, breaking the previous American Association single-season record of 13 posted by Jake Whitesides of St. Joe in 2006. Simon’s 16 triples also shattered the franchise single-season triples record of 10, set by Rick Prieto in 2004.

Simon batted .332/.380/.536 while finishing in a tie with Mike Massaro of Gary for the league lead in three-baggers. Simon was also tied for fourth in the league with a team-leading 52 extra-base hits.