August 16, 2017

Legion Baseball awards presented at ALWS

By Jeremy Field
Baseball
Legion Baseball awards presented at ALWS
Starting pitcher Shane Spencer of Henderson, Nev., Post 40 got the win against Omaha, Neb., Post 1 during the championship game.

Player of the Year Award went to Shane Spencer of Henderson, Nev., 2017 ALWS champions.

George W. Rulon, American Legion Player of the Year Award: Shane Spencer, Henderson, Nev.

The award is presented annually in memory of a long-time dedicated director of the American Legion Baseball program for 25 years. This award is presented to a World Series player who best represents teamwork, loyalty, cooperation, self-reliance, fair play and courage. The recipient will attend the 2018 National Baseball Hall of Fame Classic game next year in Cooperstown, N.Y., May 2018.

American Legion Baseball Big Stick Award: Jack Thomas Wold, Henderson, Nev., – 29 total bases

This is awarded annually to an American Legion Baseball player at the World Series. The presentation is made to that player who compiles the highest number of total bases in regional and World Series competition.

American Legion Baseball Slugger Award: Jordan Patty, Midland, Mich. - .529 batting average

Since 1945, the American Legion Baseball program has presented an American Legion Baseball Slugger trophy annually to the player compiling the highest batting average during national competition, a minimum of 12 plate appearances is required in both regional and World Series competition.

Dr. Irvin L. "Click" Cowger RBI Award: Zack Luckey, Omaha, Neb. – 13 RBIs

American Legion Baseball lost a dynamic leader during the 1970 season. In his memory, the National Americanism Commission established the Dr. Irvin L. (Click) Cowger RBI Memorial Award. The recipient of this annual award is the American Legion Baseball player who is credited with the most runs batted in by the official scorers at the respective regional tournament and World Series tournaments.

Bob Feller Pitching Award: Jordan Patty, Midland, Mich. – 19 strikeouts

American Legion Baseball's first graduate to be elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., was “Rapid Robert” Feller. This award is presented annually to the pitcher who has the most strikeouts in regional and World Series competition.

James F. Daniel Jr., Memorial Sportsmanship Award: Will Hanafan, Omaha, Neb.

The award is presented annually in memory of a long-time dedicated supporter of the American Legion Baseball program from South Carolina. This award is presented to a World Series player who best represents teamwork, loyalty, cooperation, self-reliance, fair play and courage.

Jack Williams Memorial Leadership Award: Henderson, Nev., coaching staff

State Adjutant Jack Williams was a strong and well-respected leader for The American Legion, Department of North Dakota. His great love for the game of baseball was evident in his early efforts to help organize American Legion Baseball. Aware that proper adult leadership was an important ingredient of a successful program, Williams constantly encouraged qualified men to work in the program. In memory of Mr. Williams, The American Legion annually presents this award to the manager and coaches of the National Championship Team as representatives of the adult leadership Williams stressed during his lifetime.

StatCrew All-Tournament Team

Designated Hitter: Zach Luckey, Omaha, Neb.

Utility Player: Jordan Patty, Midland, Mich.

Catcher: Roger Riley, Henderson, Nev.

First Base: Jack Thomas Wold, Henderson, Nev.

Second Base: Peyton Williams, Randolph County, N.C.

Third Base: Tom Steier, Omaha, Neb.

Shortstop: Will Karp, Hopewell, N.J.

Outfield: Will Hanafan, Omaha, Neb.

Outfield: Logan Allen, Bryant, Ark.

Outfield: A.J. Light, Lewiston, Idaho

Pitcher: Matt Stansky, Strewsbury, Mass.

Pitcher Josh Culliver, Omaha, Neb.

Pitcher: Shane Spencer, Henderson, Nev.

 

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