2008 Cary Bulls Player Awards
Batting Average - Grant Shambley (.537)
79 hits in 147 at bats
Earned Run Average - Nolan Poythress (1.01)
6 earned runs allowed in 44.33 innings
Pitching Award - Jake Milinichik
Jake was our go-to guy this year when we were playing a must-win game against a tough opponent. He led the team with 14 starts, was second on the team in innings pitched with 50 and strikeouts with 58. Opposing batters hit just .213 off him and he walked just 13 batters. Jake was at his best in the playoffs and pitched a complete game 3-hit shut-out against Cherryville to get us to the championship game.
Defensive Award - Anthony 'AC’ Colantino
‘AC' played the most demanding defensive position and played it extremely well. He led the team in total chances with 235 and put together a fielding percentage of .974 in 222 innings. He was outstanding at calling pitches and threw out 11 would-be basestealers.
Offensive Award - Grant Shambley
Grant was the most "offensive" player ever to wear a Bulls uniform. He led our team in games played (52), at-bats (147), hits (79), runs (52), stolen bases (26) and total bases (94). He set the table for the Bulls by hitting .537 with an OB% of .600. He walked 20 times and struck out only 5. His 30 bunt base-hits set a new standard for small-ball. Grant will leave our program as the owner of six new single-season and career records. Among those are career records for hits with 114, batting average at .471 and OB% at .53
Rookie of the Year - Blair Betts
One of several 1st year players who made a big impact on this year's team, Blair made quality contributions to the team in several ways. At the plate, he hit .355 (38/107) with a team-leading 15 doubles. He also scored 28 runs, drove in 35 more and hit 4 HRs. On the mound, Blair led our team in several categories: games pitched (29), innings (57.33) and strikeouts with a new single-season record of 83. Opponents hit just .181 and he allowed only 2 extra base hits all year. Blair played 209 innings defensively and compiled an impressive .977 fielding percentage. Blair made huge strides this season and will be called upon to be a leader of the Bulls in 2009.
Hustle Award - Ben Snotherly
Ben Snotherly was born to play baseball. He loves the game and being at the field. He quietly put together a tremendous season in his first year with the Bulls. He was 2nd on the team in hits (53), triples (3), Batting Average (.441) and RBIs (37). I can't remember all the times he beat out a slow roller or made a diving catch. He never took a play off. We could always count on Ben to give his best efforts no matter what the score or where he was playing. He played 244 innings mostly in the outfield with only 2 errors.
Coach's Award - James 'JT’ Todd
JT is one of several players who are deserving of this award. He stood out among the others for several reasons. He showed commitment to our program by returning for his 3rd season. He performed well on the field; this season he hit .435 and had an ERA of 1.42 in 44 innings. He established 4 new career pitching records including most appearances with 64 and strikeouts with 116. He gave his best efforts every day and played with a smile on his face. He is one of just a few players that will leave the Bulls with 2 championship rings. He was very coachable and always put the team's successes ahead of his own.
He was a quiet leader by example and he will be sorely missed.
Most Valuable Player - Nolan Poythress
Nolan was the complete package this season for the Bulls. He excelled offensively; .410 batting average, 14-2Bs, 3-3Bs, 4-HRs, 36-RBls, & a .658 slugging %. He excelled on the mound; 41 innings pitched, 1.01 ERA, 39 Ks, 5 BBs, and opponents hit just .169 against him. He excelled in the field; in 273 innings, he had 154 chances and made only 7 errors while recording 54 assists. He was a solid team leader, was a good mentor to new players and was a pleasure to coach. In the playoffs, Nolan threw a complete game to beat Oxford and didn't allow an earned run in 7 innings of the pitching in the State Tournament. He also had 6 hits, scored 4 runs and drove in 6 runs during the State Tournament. Nolan has had a great career with the Bulls and will always hold a special place in our program.
Bull of the Year - Grant Shambley
This award is the Player's Choice Award and is chosen by secret ballot of the players and coaches. Performance, leadership, attitude, hustle and dedication are factors that were to be considered. This season Grant played in a team-best 52 games and in 2 seasons with the Bulls he was part of 90 wins and only 14 losses. He has broken records set by the best players in Bulls history. He has transformed his game through his own efforts to become one of the best players in the state. He has been an outstanding teammate and has been a pleasure to coach. Grant caused two phrases to become commonplace in the Bulls dugout. The first was declared just prior to each game:
"Leading off and playing center…Grant Shambley." and the other every time there was a fly ball hit anywhere inside the ballpark between left and right fields: "We've got a man there." Grant has earned a lot of fans with his style of play and hustle. He played the game as hard as he could and took great pride in wearing the Bulls uniform. For these reasons his teammates voted him as their best teammate. Grant will be sorely missed as he moves forward in his baseball career.
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