2009 Cary Bulls Player Awards
Batting Average - Max Schrock (.490)
51 hits in 104 at bats
Earned Run Average - Max Povse (0.97)
5 earned runs allowed in 36.0 innings
Pitching Award - Chris Williams
Chris led an outstanding group of Bulls pitchers as they posted the lowest team ERA (1.73) in program history. He led our team in innings pitched (47), batters faced (186) and games started (11). He struck out 55 batters, walked only 9 and 70% of his pitches found the strike zone. Chris could always be counted on to give us solid innings on the mound and to keep us in games.
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 179 and put together a fielding percentage of .966 in 174.1 innings. He was outstanding at calling pitches and handled our pitching staff well. He discouraged the opponent's running game by blocking pitches in the dirt and threw out 7 of 17 would-be basestealers. 'AC' has established himself as another example of the outstanding catchers to play for the Cary Bulls.
Defensive Award - Matt Ruth
Matt played several key defensive positions and played them all well. He made only 2 errors in 184 innings playing 2B, SS, 3B and all of the outfield spots. Matt even spent 10.1 innings on the mound. His versatility and defensive excellence allowed us to use many different lineups without sacrificing effectiveness.
Offensive Award - Max Schrock
Max led the Bulls in many offensive categories including hits (51), 2Bs (14), 3Bs (4), total bases (85), average (.490), OB% (.554) and slugging (.817). He added 42 runs scored, 36 RBI and hit 4 HRs. He did all this while striking out only 3 times in 119 plate appearances.
Rookie of the Year - Jonathan Grudee
Jonathan was one of several 'rookies' who made a big impact on this year's team., Blair made quality contributions to the team in several ways. He put together an outstanding offensive year in his first season with the Bulls. He led our team in runs scored (44) and 2Bs (14). He was near the top in many other offensive categories including hitting (.464) and OB% (.530). Jonathan made huge strides this season and will be called upon to be a leader of the Bulls in 2010.
Hustle Award - David Hamm
David was one of the hardest working Bulls ever. Hours before the game, he helped set up the field. During our developmental pre-game period, he worked tirelessly to improve his game and to mentor the younger players. Just prior to game time, he was always helping put the finishing touches on the field to get it ready for play. During the game, he played like his pants were on fire. After the game, he did his part to make sure all our field maintence requirements were met. He was always raking, sweeping or picking up trash. He loved working at the game and on the field. He played the game with passion and determination. He took great pride in wearing the Bulls' uniform. His work ethic and hard-nosed style of play set the standard for the rest of our team.
Coach's Award - Ben Snotherly & Joe Pistacchio
Ben and Joe are what coaches dream about. They are athletically gifted, great teammates, open-minded and coachable, good leaders, generous and humble. They can also really, really play the game of baseball. Both these young men contributed to the team in many ways on and off the field. they always put the team ahead of themselves and never complained. They played like it was recess ... all-out and with a big smile on their faces. Coaches are fortunate to have a player like this every few years, yet we were lucky enough to have these guys for two wonderful seasons.
Most Valuable Player - Blair Betts
Blair was the complete package this season for the Bulls. He excelled offensively; .424 batting average, 8-2Bs, 6-HRs, 38-RBls, & a .686 slugging %. He excelled on the mound; 34 innings pitched, 1.02 ERA, 64 Ks, 5 BBs, and opponents hit just .116 against him. He excelled in the field; in 213 innings, he had 62 chances and made only 6 errors while recording 49 putouts. He was a solid team leader, was a good mentor to new players. He set several single-season and career pitching records and established himself as the best left-handed pitcher to ever play in our program. Blair had a great career with the Bulls and will always hold a special place in our program.
Bull of the Year - Gerrit 'Dutch' Van Genderen
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. Dutch is a natural choice for this ward. In addition to being a very good all-around player, Dutch is a great teammate and a natural leader. He loves this program and is proud to wear the Bulls' uniform. His actions well represent our prgram ideals. He prepares himself and his teammates prior to the game. He plays with passion and intensity. He respects the game and those involved with it. He keeps us loose and brings humor into tense situations. He helps us put things in the past and look toward the future. He has been a great mentor to our younger players and has instilled our traditions in them by example. For these reasons his teammates voted him as their best teammate. Dutch will be sorely missed as he moves forward in his baseball career and in life.
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