OTTAWA-The annual Baseball Canada Awards were handed out over the weekend as part of the Baseball Canada Fall Convention that was hosted by Baseball Nova Scotia in Halifax.
Representatives from all ten member provinces along with Baseball Canada’s staff, board of directors and executive committee were on hand at Murphy’s Restaurant on the Halifax waterfront for the festivities.
Baseball Nova Scotia also used the evening to honor many of their members including coaches, players, teams, volunteers and officials that achieved success during the 2013 season.
The following is a rundown of the Baseball Canada award winners:
Jimmy Rattlesnake Award
Women’s National Team outfielder Niki Boyd, of Surrey, BC, was given the Jimmy Rattlesnake Award for her on-field accomplishments, spirit and leadership.
Noted by her coaching staff for her dedication, hard work and great attitude, Niki stood out at the Canada-Japan Series in Granby for her defensive play as she helped Canada Red to a Bronze Medal win.
Women’s National Team MVP
Stéphanie Savoie from Québec City, QC captured the Women’s National Team MVP for the second year in a row after a tremendous performance at the Canada-Japan Series in Granby, QC.
Savoie led the tournament in hitting with a .529 batting average (9-for-17) including three doubles and a triple which helped her drive in six runs. She did all this in only five tournament games and was exceptional behind home plate where she plays catcher.
Baseball Canada and Major League Baseball Volunteer of the Year Award
This award, given to a dedicated, enthusiastic person who has devoted at least ten years of volunteering within their provincial association was won by Charlie Meacher from Moose Jaw, SK.
Charlie has spent nearly two decades involved with the sport as a coach, administrator, tournament organizer, league president and committee member. Always willing to lend his time for the betterment of the game, Charlie is truly an asset to baseball in Saskatchewan.
Lionel Ruhr Memorial Coach of the Year Award
This year’s recipient is a two-time winner of the Lionel Ruhr Memorial Coach of the Year Award as Mark Noël of Miramichi, NB took home the honor.
Mark coached Maritimes Grey to a gold medal at Tournament 12 in Toronto and led the New Brunswick Selects to a 5-0 round-robin record and ultimately a fourth place finish at the Canada Games. Mark also found time to coach a local Bantam AAA team.
Dick Willis Memorial Award for Umpire of the Year
Nova Scotia’s own, Andrew Downs, was recognized as the winner of the Dick Willis Memorial Award for Umpire of the Year. Downs began umpiring in 2001 and has progressed through various levels to where he has worked local, provincial, national and international events.
Downs is currently the Provincial Supervisor of Umpires for Nova Scotia and plays a major role in the development of officials in the province.
Province of the Year Award
The prestigious Province of the Year Award was shared by both Baseball Ontario and Baseball PEI, and recognizes a province who has clearly exemplified a commitment to all areas of player, coaching and umpire development.
Baseball PEI finished first in coach certification and player registration, while finishing second in officials development. They also placed a player on the Junior National Team for the first time in nearly a decade.
Baseball Ontario had a tremendous year on the National Championship stage winning eight medals at seven events including six gold medals. They placed 37 players among Baseball Canada’s three National Teams and finished second in Winterball development.
Baseball Canada also handed out National Championship awards to recognize medalists from all nine National Championship tournaments.
Baseball Canada would like to thank Baseball Nova Scotia with a special mention to Baseball Canada Treasurer, Holly Lapierre for hosting a tremendous event in Halifax.
We’ll see you in Charlottetown in 2014!
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