On Tuesday afternoon, it was announced that 21-year-old Glendora, California native and Dodgers 2016 fourth-round draft pick DJ Peters has been named the 2017 California League Most Valuable Player, this in addition to the many other honors and awards he has received throughout his young career within the Dodgers organization.

“Being named Cal League MVP, Rookie of the Year and Post Season All-Star are things that every player dreams of,” Peters said, after learning of his 2017 Cal League MVP selection. “It’s a great feeling knowing that all of my hard work, dedication to the game, my team and my organization hasn’t gone unnoticed by the League.”

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For those who have closely followed the 6′- 6″ / 225-pound outfielder since his selection by the Dodgers out of Western Nevada College, Tuesday’s announcement comes as no surprise, especially to Rancho Cucamonga Quakes manager Drew Saylor.

“DJ had a fantastic season, the numbers reflect that. But the areas that he grew the most came in his leadership capabilities,” Saylor said. “He is the heart and soul of our club. We go when he goes.”

Anyone who has spent any time around the batting cage knows that Peters is an absolute sponge for information to improve his game. He is seen here getting pointers from former Dodger and Quakes hitting coach Jay Gibbons. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

Through Tuesday night’s game against the Lake Elsinore Storm (Padres), Peters has a season slash-line of .284 / .382 / .521 for an outstanding OPS of .903. He has also slugged 24 home runs, 26 doubles and five triples while driving in 74 runs. His 241 total bases are tops in the Cal League. But while these numbers are most certainly commendable, it’s the intangibles that make Peters a true MVP on and off the field.

“When my own young boys are around I tell them to watch DJ because he plays the game the way it’s supposed to be played – with joy, positivity and selfless love for his team,” Saylor added.

Dodger fans may recall one game in particular earlier this season in which Peters made headlines … national headlines.

It was on July 5, 2017 during a game between the Quakes and the San Jose Giants at Municipal Stadium in San Jose. San Francisco Giants ace Madison Bumgarner was making his third rehab appearance after his now-infamous April 20 dirt bike accident in Colorado where he suffered a broken collarbone. During the fourth inning and with the game tied 1-1, Peters homered off of the rehabbing Giants ace twice in the same inning in the eventual 14-1 rout of the Giants Advanced Single-A affiliate.

“We were ready for Bum tonight,” Peters said, after that game. “He has some of the best stuff in all of baseball, which is why he’s a three-time World Series Champion and a World Series MVP. He’s a workhorse and he’s going to give you his everything. Tonight, we hit him well. All-in-all it was a great team win for the Quakes.”

Peters’ first home run off of Bumgarner was estimated at an insane 474 feet by StatCast. Ironically (but not coincidentally), Peters had a three-home-run night three days earlier against the Lancaster JetHawks (Rockies) at LoanMart Field in Rancho Cucamonga.

Peters slugged three home runs against the JetHawks on July 2, 2017.
(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

But there is another side to DJ Peters, one that many DJ Peters fans may not know about. Like many successful professional baseball players, he is extremely spiritual and very humble.

“Being recognized throughout the Cal League is an absolute blessing and none of this would be possible without God, my family, my friends, my teammates, my coaching staff and the entire Dodgers Organization,” Peters said. “I take great pride in these honors and I owe it to everyone who helped me along the way to achieve these great honors and goals. I am extremely blessed and I owe all of it to God. Without Him, I am nothing. Without Him, I am weak. I give God all of the fame, all of the glory and all of the love.”

Make no mistake about it, DJ Peters gets it.
(Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

On behalf of the entire ThinkBlueLA staff, I wish to extend a hearty congratulations to DJ Peters for being named the 2017 California League Most Valuable Player.

Well deserved, my friend.