Baseball PEI held its annual awards presentations recently, a very well-attended banquet at the Rodd Royalty Inn in Charlottetown.

The sport’s finest athletes of 2009 were recognized with Sport PEI/ADL Certificates of Recognition, while the association also recognized other key volunteers in the sport. Temple MacDonald – a former standout collegiate player – was guest speaker, giving an insight into the life of a young athlete looking to play at the higher levels. The awards were presented by Larry Connolly of Amalgamated Dairies Ltd.

Scott Ellsworth of the Morell Chevies of the Kings County Baseball League was recognized as senior male athlete of the Year for an outstanding season. Ellsworth is recognized for his versatility either in the outfield or the infield, and is a fine top of the order hitter who gets on base, setting the table for the big bats to follow.

Junior athlete Mitch Maclean was one of the best players on the Canada Games team, where he was a big-game pitcher, dominating in the New Brunswick Junior League in 2009. When not on the mound he is a very good defensive shortstop with some pop in his bat. MacLean has attended the last four Canada Cups and is currently attending the Prairie Baseball Academy in Lethbridge, Alberta.

Jordan Green was recognized with the junior female athlete award. She has been playing on boys teams for over ten years and this past year batted over .400 at the AA bantam level. She plays an excellent centre-field.

The Summerside Bantam AAA won the team award following a season in which they won the Atlantic championship, a tournament which they also hosted. They won the provincials without losing a game, and in one eleven team tournament in Summerside, they came through 6 games in 28 hours to win in front of their home fans. It was a dream season for the team.

The team’s coach, Nick Hann, was recognized with the association’s coaching award. In addition to the team’s success, he was cited for his dedication and the excellent rapport he has built with the players.

Ian Clays won the volunteer administrator award for the dedication he has shown as league coordinator for Mosquito AA and AAA, in addition to his duties as umpire-in-chief for the Sherwood Parkdale Association. He is heavily involved in official recruitment and mentorship, and is renowned for his positive attitude and enthusiasm for Island baseball.

The final ADL award was presented to official of the year Terry MacLeod. Terry continues to be one of the most well-liked and respected umpires at all levels of the game, and he has served the role of provincial assignor in addition to working with the officials association. 

In addition to the ADL Awards, Baseball PEI also recognized some other key individuals. 

Bryan Hutchings was the association’s choice for the Baseball Canada Grassroots Coach of the Year for the outstanding work he has done with the introductory program at the Charlottetown Minor Baseball Association. In 2009 he organized a provincial jamboree and rally cap test day for every team in the Mosquito A League, with the emphasis purely on fun and participation rather than winning and medals.

Baseball PEI also recognized Ray MacInnis by nominating him for the MLB-Baseball Canada Volunteer of the Year Award, for the outstanding work he has done most notably in officiating for many years. A former President of the PEI Umpires Association, MacInnis has not let health issues slow down his work on the diamond, and Baseball PEI President Don LeClair delivered a heartfelt tribute to MacInnis, and the inspiration he has been to many people who have been involved with Island baseball.

Certificates were also given out to the committee, led by John Dunsford, who organized the 2009 Canada Summer Games baseball competition, while former Executive Director Kelsey McIntosh, who recently took up a position with Baseball Canada, received a special plaque which was presented to his father, Jim, on his behalf.