After tearing up the Eastern League all season long, there was little doubt that Brandon Laird was the most valuable player in the league. Today, the Eastern League confirmed it, giving the third baseman both its Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player awards.

Laird hit .291 with 23 homers and 90 RBI for the Double-A Trenton Thunder, powering the team to yet another Eastern League North Division title. The 22-year-old (who turns 23 Sept. 11) was promoted to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre in August, where he’s struggled.

The brother of Gerald Laird, who is a catcher for the Tigers, Laird is hitting .218 with two homers and nine RBI in 26 games in Triple-A.