Shay Whitcomb's Birthday Celebration Turns Epic with Triple-A National Championship MVP Win

LAS VEGAS -- Shay Whitcomb made history on his birthday by not only celebrating in Las Vegas but also clinching the MVP title at the Triple-A National Championship. "It's the best birthday I've ever had, winning a championship," he exclaimed. The Astros’ No. 14 prospect marked his 26th birthday in style, contributing significantly to the Sugar Land Space Cowboys' 13-6 victory over Omaha in the final game of the 2024 MiLB season at Las Vegas Ballpark.

Whitcomb's stellar performance included three hits and three RBIs, showcasing his prowess just two days after being optioned back to Triple-A following a brief stint in the Majors. He demonstrated his versatility at the plate, hitting to all fields: a single to center field, a powerful 109.6 mph three-run double to left, and another single to right in the fifth inning.

"It was just nice to be back in the box. That's where my comfort zone is, so being able to be out there and just relax was really special," said the UC San Diego product. "I take everything in stride. Everything that happens to me in my career is a learning experience. I think that's something that I take a lot of pride in as a player, just being able to adapt and grow and learn from everything. So I'm totally good, and there's just always a lot of joy coming from me."

Before his call-up to Houston on August 16, Whitcomb had an impressive season, hitting 25 homers, driving in 91 runs, and stealing 26 bases in 108 games with the Space Cowboys. He was one of only three Minor Leaguers to join the exclusive 25/25 club in 2024.

In the championship game, Sugar Land's left fielder Cooper Hummel also shone brightly, hitting the longest homer of the night at 439 feet to right-center and adding an RBI double in the fifth inning. His teammates celebrated his clutch performance by lifting him in the air during the post-game festivities. Additionally, Astros No. 3 prospect Brice Matthews hit his first Triple-A homer, a line drive to center in the fourth inning.

The game was a thrilling back-and-forth contest, with Omaha's Royals shortstop Cam Devanney hitting a homer and catcher Brian O’Keefe contributing two homers as part of a five-RBI game. The score stood at 13-6 after five innings, with the Space Cowboys feeling confident about their lead.

With both teams boasting strong bullpens, runs became scarce in the latter half of the game. Sugar Land's Logan VanWey, Forrest Whitley, Luis Contreras, and Wander Suero combined for 4 1/3 scoreless innings, limiting the Storm Chasers to just two hits and four walks. Suero fittingly closed out the season, having led the Minor Leagues with 37 saves and 67 appearances.

Sugar Land had an impressive season, claiming the Pacific Coast League's first-half title with a 49-26 record and achieving their goal of 90 wins, finishing with a 93-56 (.624) overall record. This remarkable turnaround came after a last-place finish the previous year. Despite the roster changes throughout the season, the team maintained its traditions, recognizing the best pitcher, best hitter, and gold glove winner after each game.

"It keeps us in the moment, it keeps us present, it keeps us acknowledging one another," said Sugar Land manager Mickey Storey. "All year, all we did was acknowledge each other's achievements. I won a certain amount of games, they acknowledged it. Suero set the save record, they acknowledged it. Guys get called up to the big leagues. I mean, it was a collective group.

"I've never been around a group of guys so selfless and so willing to point to one another and congratulate them. And this is exactly what we deserve."

Since joining affiliated baseball in 2021 after starting in independent ball in 2012, Sugar Land has claimed Atlantic League titles in 2016 and 2018 and a Constellation Energy League crown in 2020. Since the Triple-A National Championship became a single-game event in 2006, the Pacific Coast League has recorded a 10-7 overall record.

Before the clubhouse celebration commenced, Storey encouraged his players to take a moment to appreciate their collective achievements this year. "We got nothing left to prove. This was our last dance," he said. "It's not likely we'll get to be with each other in this room again. What do I keep telling us all year? Finish the job?