Players from the 2023 Wes Brennan Construction league champion Orillia Junior Royals claimed three major awards at the North Dufferin Baseball League's year-end banquet on Sunday.
Ben Barzo claimed the award for most offensive runs scored, with 28 runs, and was also the team's nominee for MVP thanks to a stellar defensive season at catcher as well.
Whyatt Winkel claimed the Reg Westbrooke Memorial Trophy recognizing him as batter of the year, after leading the league in both batting average (.529) and on-base percentage at .673. Winkel narrowly edged teammates Owen Kaczanowski (.528) and his twin brother, Jhett Winkel (.519) for the award.
Wyatt Thompson was named the league's pitcher of the year after earning eight wins and zero losses with a sparkling 49 strikeouts compared to just eight walks. Thompson narrowly edged teammate Nolan MacNeal, who led the league with 50 strikeouts, for the award.
The Royals are hoping to repeat as league champions in 2024 with play commencing in May.
