The 2022 season of DeKalb County Youth Baseball came to a close last Friday evening with a closing ceremony and awards night. Excited parents and grandparents filled the stands at the baseball park to watch the teams and players recognized for their skills on the field.
The league thanked its board of directors for organizing the season, and also recognized the umpires for their work on the field. They also recognized the league bookkeeper Gerald Bailiff for his hard work.
The league also thanked all of this year’s sponsors, saying, “It is no small cost to sponsor a team or purchase a banner, yet unflinchingly these businesses rise to the call, many times a year, to help support our league. Please take time to thank these businesses any chance you get.”
The coaches were recognized for their efforts in teaching and guiding the players, and the parents were commended for not only allowing their children to play, but also seeing to it that they are at practices and games.
Then, each player was recognized for their participation. “Your sportsmanship, drive to compete, and gentle good nature are an inspiration to us all. It is all of our prayers that you will grow up to be good citizens of our country and that one day you will give back to your community as your family has done for you.”
Afterwards, this year’s awards were presented.
In Coach Pitch, the Padres were this year’s regular season champions, with the Flying Tigers as runner up. The Angels took the champion trophy in Minor League, with the Rangers coming in behind, while in Major League the Marlins took the top spot with the Braves as runner up.
In tournament play, The Flying Tigers were Coach Pitch champions, with the Giants coming in second, while The Angels took the Minor League championship, with the Tigers as runner up. The Tigers topped the Major League in tournament action, with the Marlins coming in second.
In individual awards, the Eric Midgett Sportsmanship Award is given to the player that has exhibited great sportsmanship throughout the season, both towards his team, but also to the opposing team and fans as well. The awards were presented by Eric’s father, Jimmy Midgett, and sister, Mary Ann Smithson. In Coach Pitch, John Casey Midgett of the Padres was presented the award, while Cooper Robinson of the Braves won in Minor League. Isaiah Tramel of the A’s was given the award in Major League.
Camden Nelson of the Padres won the Golden Glove Award in Coach Pitch, while Hayes Kent took the trophy in Minor League. Keegan Taylor of the Marlins was presented the Golden Glove in Major League.
The Best Pitcher Award was presented to Gunner Shepherd on the Flying Tigers in Coach Pitch. Brantley Brooks won in Minor League, while Collin Donnell took home the trophy in Major League.
The Mike Williams Memorial Batting Award was presented by Mrs. Chelsea Shaw. In Coach Pitch, Brentley Bates of the Braves was honored, while Zander Simpson of the Angels was given the award in Minor League. Reed Midgett of the Tigers was named in Major League.
The Most Valuable Player Awards from each league were then handed out. Brentley Bates of the Braves was named MVP in Coach Pitch, while Brantley Brooks of the Angels was given the award in Minor League. The Major League MVP was Reed Midgett of the Tigers.
At the conclusion of the ceremony the 2022 DCYB All-Stars were named.
In Coach Pitch, Wesley Bowen, Bucksley Haney, Carson Wooden, Tate Webb, Mason Curtis, Brentley Bates, Arian Wiggins, Titus Stone, Gunner Shepherd, Liam Key, Camden Nelson, Jackson Duke, and John Casey Midgett were named.
The Minor League All-Stars are Dalton George, Ayden Buchanan, Braxton Knowles, Zane Griffith, Cameron Pursell, Hayes Kent, Brantley Starkey, Skyler Herriot, Brantley Brookes, Zander Simpson, Aiden Cook, Aiden Cantrell, and Colt Quarles.
The Major League All-Stars are Collin Donnell, Carson Davis, Auston Parker, Landon Holmes, Tucker Glenn, Gavin Frazier, Reed Midgett, Preston Cantrell, Drew Cook, Keegan Taylor, Hayden Quarles, Anderson Fortner, and Zane Starkey.
