.

In the game of baseball there’s no substitute for good hitting.  Unlike many other sports, there are no runs scored by the defense in baseball.  Therefore, Taz (aka Malik Brown) has continued to hit the ball in a way that has consistently generated offense for us all season.  What’s even more remarkable is his low number of strikeouts, he hates striking out.  As a coach you know that when he’s up to bat, the ball will be put into play.  His prowess in this area starts with his attitude and ends with his work ethic, always trying to better his swing anyway he can every day.  Whether things are going good or bad, he hits the baseball.  Play Ball Taz!

.

The Ball stops here, introducing Mr. Defense!  Easy E (aka Eric Langford), works harder on his defense than any other Cub.  He has earned this award with his attitude toward defense and his defensive execution during games.  It has been my pleasure to coach Easy E and watch him grow.  Some players are content with using their gifts as they are but Eric is sure to push himself in a way that turns his gifts into works of perfection.  His results this year got him the award but I think that he’s still scratching the surface.  There is a lot more to come from this extremely talented player.  Great job Easy E!

.

.

For the first time I have to split an award.  Both of these players are well deserving of this award which happens to be the Coaches favorite award.  This award is for the player who most exemplifies out team motto, “All the way turned up”.  Our way of saying 100% effort.  Both Dash (aka Calvin Parrish) and Herc (aka Sidney Anderson), gave nothing less than 100% effort the entire year.  There are a lot things in life that they can not control but their effort is a personal decision to give their best all the time which says something about their high level of character.  Great job guys on a great season!

.

Taz (aka Malik Brown), never once wanted to miss practices or games.  In addition to making sure that the team truck was always on time, Taz’s responsibility was to make sure it was packed before practices and games, as well as, making sure it was unpacked into our garage after games.  Always the first to carry equipment to and from the field while always wanting to be the first player to practices and games.  Taz keeps me motivated during the tough times and it all starts with showing up.  Thanks Taz!

.

Batter up, it’s Dash (aka Calvin Parrish).  Dash’s work ethic and competitive spirit compelled him to get better at every aspect of his game.  I remember some of his first practices in the winter when he was having lots of trouble and I compare those time to now and there is a big difference.  Calvin had not played baseball in at least a year and was very rusty as we started our winter workouts.  It would have been easy for him to get frustrated but he stuck with it and continued to get better throughout the season.  Calvin’s hard-working attitude will set him up for a bright future in baseball and life.  Note to parents:  Calvin can never take another year off of baseball!  Play Ball Dash and keep up the good work!

.

What can I say, every coach has his horse or big gun or silver bullet, well ours was B-nasty (aka Braelon English).  Whenever we went into our toughest battles I called upon B-nasty to take the mound.  If we ever had to win a game, I counted on B-nasty to lead us through it.  Braelon was our most consistent pitcher this year posting a great strike vs ball ratio and a great earned run average.  A very mannerable personality and ferocious demeanor on the mound.  I love calling you number Big Gun!

.

Every Coach wants someone to put the team on his back.  Every Coach wants a player who will decide to tell other players when they are not working hard enough and risk their own popularity.  Every Coach wants a player who will have an infectious winning attitude when everyone else is down.  Every Coach would want Hollywood (aka Ryan Roberts).  I lean on Hollywood a lot because his self-esteem can take it.  I have high expectations of Hollywood because he has higher expectations of himself.  I admire Hollywood because he admires himself and will not break be broken.  Lead and they will follow … or else!  Great job player!