Kevin Hooper of the Wichita Wingnuts has been named manager of the year in the American Association, an independent baseball league.

Hooper, a Lawrence native, was selected by the league’s 10 managers and by the media.

In his first season as a manager, Hooper led the Wingnuts to the North Division first-half title. His pitching staff leads the league with a 3.51 ERA. The Wingnuts are also second in hitting with a .288 team batting average.

Hooper, 32, had a 10-year playing career that included time in the major leagues.