Outfielder Emilio King has been named the Lexington Legends' Most Valuable Player for the 2011 season.

The announcement came Wednesday from the player development department of the Houston Astros, parent club of the Legends.

King, 22, finished with a .293 average, 24 doubles, nine home runs and 42 RBI.

After beginning the season in extended spring training, King joined the Legends on May 7. He homered in each of his first two games and went on to hit .400 (30-for-75) with 12 RBI in 21 games in May.

In August, he posted a .337 average (30-for-89) on his way to winning awards as Lexington's offensive and defensive player of the month.

"Emilio had an outstanding year for the Legends, both at bat and in the field," said Legends General Manager Andy Shea. "It was fun to watch his progress as a player. He certainly is deserving of the MVP award."

King, a native of the Dominican Republic, was signed as a non-drafted free agent in July 2006.