Huntingdon Valley (HV) Senior Legion baseball had its best season in history this season. Setting marks with 16 total wins and 11 total players making the All-League team. What was lost from the great season was the "ultimate" goal of bringing home a championship.
"Yes it hurts to not win the championship this season" Head Coach Evan Horn said, "We had the best season in the teams history as far as wins and all-league players but as my Assistant Coach Mike Landes would say the only thing that matters is winning the final playoff game"
Coach Landes is right but what cant be lost from this record setting season is the team had the league MVP in Jake Yannessa. Yannessa had a batting average of .422 to go with 29 Hits, 27 Runs, 20 Walks and 17 Stolen Bases from the offensive side of the field but also was a gem on the mound compiling a 4-1 record 1.69 ERA and 42 Strikeouts. Yannessa was a First Team All League Pitcher and also a 2nd Team all League Shortstop
Jake Yannessa .422 BA 29 Hits 27 Runs 20 BB's 17SB Pitching 4-1 1.69 ERA 42 K's
"Ness (Yannessa) had an incedibleseason" Coach Horn continued, "He was a leader on the field and I feel honored to have coached him for one season. He really deserved this award. He comes to play every inning of every game and was a huge, and I mean huge, part of the teams success"
HV was also proud to have 4 other first team players. Leading the way was Team Captain Catcher Jake Madnick who was the backbone of the team. 1st Baseman Chris Ruhl, Outfielder Matt Meyers and DH Robert Hoffman.
Jake Madnick .293 BA 12 Doubles 14 RBI's
"When you talk about Huntingdon Valley baseball the name Jake Madnick has to be mentioned. This kid is everything you can ask for in a player and person. Jake leads with his heart and soul and with a tear in my eye I am so sad to see him play his last game in an HV uniform. I bet there are more then a few other teams that are super happy. Jake was my Coach on the field"
Chris Ruhl .429 BA 19 Hits 15 RBI's
"Chris (Ruhl) was a great kid to be around. He played so well after hurting his finger earlier in the season. When he was named 1st team I couldn't wait to notify him because I know how much it means to him"
Matt Meyers .588 BA 29 Hits 4 Homeruns 15 RBI's
"Matty had an MVP season as well for me this season. He had a huge Home run at Cedarbrook and also at The Morelanders which where both game changers. But the best part about the season Matt had this year was the fact that he grew up and became an all around baseball player. At the beginning of the season nobody knew who he was but towards the end he was pitched around. He let his Mr. Nasty bat do the talking"
Robert Hoffman .278 BA 12 RBI's
"Robert had a very good season for me. He played many different positions and was always ready to get into the game. He just loves to play the game. His highlight of the season was getting the winning hit against The Morelanders and also picked up the save in relief"
HV also was lucky to have 2 more players make the 2nd Team All League. Outfielder Lou Palmer and starting Pitcher Matt Lawlor.
Lou Palmer .323 BA .395 OBP 21 Hits 15 Runs Scored
"Lou had the kind of season that you can say was under the radar. Nothing to wow about just a season long of consistent play. Lou was the leadoff hitter who seemed to always be on base at times we needed him to be. Lou can come back for one more season and I expect him to bat leadoff next season as well"
Matt Lawlor 3-3 1.59 ERA 39 IP
"Matt was one of the 3 aces that I was lucky to have this season. He was given the nickname "Bulldog" because he was always good for over 100 pitches and never wanted to come out of any game. When Matt was off on his game he was mentally tough and fought his way through it. Matt is going to be the ace for 2 more seasons so the future looks great for him"
HV also placed 4 more players on the Honorable Mention list. 2nd basemen Rafael Fernandez, Pitchers Ross Goodman and Daniel Johnson. Paul Buckley made it for 2 positions 3rd base and pitcher.
Rafael Fernandez .323 BA 15 Hits 8 RBI's
"Raf was a huge plus for the team this season. He played a great 2nd base. I was told he had a tough high school year but from what I saw he was the best fielding 2nd basemen in the league. I am looking forward to him playing a full season as he missed 6 games due to breaking his foot. He will be with me for 2 more seasons so the sky is the limit"
Daniel Johnson 5-1 1.99 ERA 40 IP 48 K's
"Daniel was dropped into my lap. He moved into the township in the off season and when he said he wanted to play for us I was super excited. As the season when on he pitched better and with more confidence. Daniel was a joy to Coach and his numbers where incredible. I wish he could pitch for the next 5 seasons but it cant happen"
Ross Goodman 3-0 2 Saves 20 IP 10 Hits 24 K's
"Ross had the best season of his baseball career. He was put in the middle relief roll and just took it to another level. He was so reliable that when he left for a vacation I was lost in the playoffs without him there. He was the biggest part of the pitching staff and we only knew that when the season was over. Ross has another season left to pitch and if he decides to come back he will be a tough pitcher to hit"
Paul Buckley Batting .333 11 Hit 7RBI's 4 2b's
Pitching 2-0, 8 Saves 22 IP 17 K's
"Buck had a career year this season. He was the closer and when he was on the hill to close a game out it was over. He was a great player to Coach. Buck can also play next season for me and I am praying that he comes back to play. His bat was a plus for us and the commitment of making every game also was a great thing"
No comments:
Post a Comment