Good Afternoon,
The six awards voted on by the players about their teammates:
Most Valuable Player
Marshall Dalziel – Marshall had his best season on the team this past year, what a way to go out right? At the plate Marshall hit .391 which was the fourth best on the squad, led the team in slugging .672, and tied for the lead in HR (3) and 2B (7). On the mound his numbers were not the best but still managed to have a good season. He went 4-2 and led the team in IP (36), K’s (36), and GS (8). With leading the team in innings he also had one of the best opponent batting average against. On being named MVP by his teammates – “It is really an honor to be voted MVP, last year I was voted Most Improved so I wanted to build off of that. This past season was my favorite season I have ever played and I’m glad I went out with a bang (Hitting a HR in his last at bat). It was an honor to rock the Maroon and Gold for four years and I hope the guys keep the tradition going. Just remember “Do Less and #RollGophs”.”
Cy Young
Geoff Fisher – Geoff was a newbie on the team this year but acted like a seasoned vet. Geoff transferred in from Century College and was nothing short of dominant this year. His posted a 5-1 record with a 2.54 ERA in 33.1 Innings on the mound. He was also the type of pitcher that would do just about anything for the win, against Ohio State in Florida he tossed over 130 pitches in a complete game where he popped a blister in the second inning and powered through the discomfort. Geoff will be looked upon to help the lead the pitching staff next year as the team looks to repeat as District Champions. If Geoff can keep his dominance on the mound the team will have a shot to win any game he pitches.
Silver Slugger
Austin Ridl – Ridl also went out with a bang this year, he hit .427 and slugged .646 which both were second on the team. He led the team in AB (82), Hits (35), and RBIs 27. He also tied for the team lead in 1B (24, 2b (7) and HR (3). On the mound he was also a great extra arm when the team needed someone to step up, he tossed 19 innings while going 1-0 with a 2.95 ERA. On being named the Silver Slugger “It is a great honor to be selected as the silver slugger on one of the best hitting teams out there. In the three years playing for this team I have seen great improvement and had the most exciting road trips. This award is a great way to finish off my club baseball career and I will continue hitting dingers and pounding brews in memory of you guys in the future.” Austin will be a guy the team misses for not only his bat in the middle of the order but he also was one of the team Taxis on road trips.
Rookie of the Year
Brady Geronime and Jason Leadley – This year the team had CO-ROY because these two guys really showed they could play and played a vital role in the team’s success form day one. Brady hit .333 in 60 at bats and an OBP of .494 which was third on the team. As the teams solidified two-hitter behind Schwecke he really helped set the tone of the game at the top of the order. Another thing that made Brady an easy addition to the lineup every game was his ability to play both infield and outfield. He became a great second basemen even though his natural position is shortstop and when Brock was out Brady slid into shortstop like he never moved across the base. On being voted Co-ROY “I'm pleased that everyone found my contributions to the team worthwhile and I look forward to continuing to do less in the future.” Brady and his Knuckleball will be looked upon to help get the team to the glory land again for years to come.
Leadley is the other winner of the ROY and he was just as good as Brady after have a slower fall portion of the schedule. He finished the season hitting .333 with an OBP of .400. His attempt to catch Schwecke in the stolen base category came just short finishing with 7 which put him third on the team. Leadley also finished with a 1.000 fielding percentage in 146.2 innings in the field. On being voted for Co-ROY “Club baseball Co-Rookie of the Year...Wow” Leadley will bring his chains and unbuttoned jersey back this coming year as an officer as well as batting in the nine-hole.
Hardest Working
Brian Dexheimer – Dex was easily the shortest DH in the NCBA but man did he pack a punch in that swing. Batting in the two or three hole all season Dex was one of the best hitters on the team. He led the team in Batting Average .439, OBP .570 and BB 22 in 90 plate appearances. His ability to see the ball made it especially hard for pitchers to strike him out, he had 6 strike outs all season. Dex had some arm problems this season which kept him in the DH spot a little more than the team wanted. In the field Dex was extremely valuable and always knew where he needed to be on each play. On being named the hardest worker “It’s an honor to receive this award, especially on the hardest working team in the NCBA. It was a great year, and I’m looking forward to next year.” The one quality that everyone appreciates about Dex is not his ability to hit but the bat flip he used when he got walked, easily the best bat flip in the league.
Most Improved
Aaron Schwecke – Schwecke had a great bounce back season from falling into the Sophomore slump. He solidified himself as one of the best leadoff hitters in the league. In the top spot in the order he hit .400 and an OBP of .488. Once he got on the bases he did what he did best, swipe bases. He swiped 24 bases this season and 22 of those came in NCBA games which was good for top 3 in the country. Only 5 of his 28 hits were extra base hits but getting on base is what he does best. With the power behind him in the order he was able to cross the plate for a team leading 28 times. Along with hitting slap singles he was also fourth on the team with 14 walks. Schwecke will have his hands full not only batting leadoff but he will also serve as the President of the Club Team. He has big shoes to fill but we have no doubt he will do a great job.
Below you will find all the league awards that guys won this past season, as you can see the team dominated the league awards and we hope that happens again next year.
LEAGUE AWARDS
Conference Pitcher of the Week – Geoff Fisher – Vs Lakehead, Ohio State, UW-Superior. Marshall Dalziel – Vs NDSU. Aaron Schwecke – Vs SDSU. Austin Ridl – Vs UW-Milwaukee (National Pitcher of the Week as well). Brock Chenier – Vs Winona State.
Conference Hitter of the Week – Aaron Schwecke – Vs UW-Superior, Spring Break Trip (6 games). Austin Ridl – Vs SDSU. Brian Dexheimer – Vs UND. Marshall Dalziel – Playoffs.
All-Americans
Second Team Outfield – Austin Ridl
Second Team Designated Hitter – Brian Dexheimer
~Staff~