2023 American Legion Baseball awards announced

The 2023 American Legion Baseball awards were announced Tuesday night after the championship game of the 96th American Legion World Series.

The American Legion Baseball Big Stick Award is awarded annually to the player who compiles the highest number of total bases in regional and ALWS competition.

The 2023 American Legion Baseball Big Stick Award was shared by A.J. Evasco of Lincoln (Neb.) Post 3 and Zack Hunt of Florence (S.C.) Post 1, with 23 total bases each.

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

The 2023 American Legion Baseball Slugger Award was shared by Zack Hunt and Brady Cook, both of Florence (S.C.) Post 1, each with a .500 batting average.

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 regionals and ALWS.

The 2023 American Legion Baseball RBI Award goes to Damon Suriani of Brooklawn (N.J.) Post 72, with 12 RBIs.

American Legion Baseball’s first graduate to be elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., was Bob Feller. This award is presented annually to the pitcher who has the most strikeouts in regional and ALWS competition.

The 2023 American Legion Baseball Pitching Award goes to Colter McAnelly of Cheyenne (Wyo.) Post 6, with 29 strikeouts.

The James F. Daniels Jr. Sportsmanship Award is presented in memory of a long-time dedicated supporter of the American Legion Baseball program from South Carolina. This award is presented to an ALWS player who best represents teamwork, loyalty, cooperation, self-reliance, fair play and courage. The 2023 James F. Daniels Jr. Sportsmanship Award goes to A.J. Evasco of Lincoln (Neb.) Post 3.

The George W. Rulon American Legion Baseball Player of the Year award is presented annually in memory of a long-time dedicated director of the American Legion Baseball program for 25 years. The award is based on integrity, mental attitude, cooperation, citizenship, sportsmanship, scholastic aptitude and general good conduct.  The recipient will attend the National Baseball Hall of Fame Classic game next year in Cooperstown, N.Y.

The 2023 George W. Rulon American Legion Baseball Player of the Year is Jacob Cyr of League City (Tex.) Post 554.

Based on players’ performance and character on and off the field, the following players have been selected to the American Legion World Series All-Tournament Team:

First base: A.J. Evasco, Lincoln (Neb.) Post 3.

Second base: Joey Bogart, Brooklawn (N.J.) Post 72.

Third base: Jackson Huggins, League City (Tex.) Post 554.

Shortstop: Colter McAnelly, Cheyenne (Wyo.) Post 6.

Catcher: Damon Suriani, Brooklawn (N.J.) Post 72.

Utility: Garrett Springer, Lincoln (Neb.) Post 3.

Designated hitter: Zach Hunt, Florence (S.C.) Post 1.

Outfielder: Kyeler Thompson, League City (Tex.) Post 554.

Outfielder: Brody Cook, Florence (S.C.) Post 1.

Outfielder: Hunter Curtis, Ellsworth (Maine) Post 207.

Pitcher: Jacob Cyr, League City (Tex.) Post 554.

Pitcher: Tucker Jackson, Troy (Ala.) Post 70.

Pitcher: Aydin Palmer, Florence (S.C.) Post 1.