HAWKS GARNER NINE POST SEASON AWARDS INCLUDING LEAGUE MVP
By: Tyler Milton
WINDSOR, Ont: The OCAA celebrated their top athletes and coaches at St. Clair College for the 2017 season at the OCAA banquet. This season was a record-setting year for Humber (15-5 2nd OCAA), setting a new program mark for wins in a season. In all, Humber took home nine awards at the banquet as the Hawks continue to dominate the OCAA circuit on and off the field.
ALL-STARS
OF – Dennis Dei Baning
The second-year outfielder from Toronto had a stellar year for the Hawks. After a quiet month of September, as soon as the calendar hit October Dei Baning's season turned around. In October, Dei Baning hit .281 and slugged his way to a .591 clip. As one of the main cogs in the middle of the lineup, Dei Baning finished the season driving in 18 RBIs, seven extra-base hits including a home run. Dennis will be a crucial member in the Hawks pursuit of their first OCAA title.
2B – Stephen Andreopoulos
The fourth-year second baseman and captain of the squad helped lead Humber to their most impressive season yet. Andreopoulos, had a big October hitting .280 but more importantly helped solidify the bottom of the order with his .400 OBP in the month. Steve's nine stolen bases led the Hawks and helped set the table for the top of the order. His leadership and stellar play is well known throughout the league and is a well-respected player on and off the field.
C – Justin Marra
The fifth-year catcher was a leader for this Humber team, on and off the field. Marra's experience and ability to call the game helped establish one of the best pitching staffs in Ontario. This season, Marra hit .320 with two home runs and driving in 18 RBIs. His .485 OBP was one of the top marks in the Hawks lineup while scoring 18 runs on the season. His presence in the Humber lineup was something the team hasn't had since Sean Mattson dawned the blue and gold a few seasons ago.
P – Steven Hough
The fifth-year pitcher had his best season yet. Hough was a workhorse for this Humber squad as he established himself as the ace of this staff. In his 35 innings of work, Hough sported a 1.80 ERA which finished second in the OCAA. In Hough's five starts, he won four of them and went the distance in three of those starts. His ability to mix speeds and stabilize the Humber pitching staff has the OCAA circuit on watch.
IF – Keegan Murphy
The fourth-year infielder from Brampton struck fear in the opposing OCAA teams. Murphy was a force at the plate as he appeared in all 20 games for Humber. This season, Murphy hit .411 with an astonishing 24 RBIs. His 30 hits led the OCAA circuit and scoring 20 runs. His ability to be a stabilizer in the middle of the Humber order allowed the Hawks to take flight and was instrumental in many of the teams wins. Mr RBI will be looking to continue his strong offensive play as the Hawks pursue an OCAA championship.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
1B – Max Elofson
The first-year first baseman from Minnesota provided another powerful bat in the Hawks lengthy lineup. His strong play in his first year led to the nomination of this award. Although Max struggled early on in his first season, once the calendar turned over to October he found his groove. In October, Elofson would sport a .286 average, with a .375 OBP, picking up key extra-base hits to help the Hawks. After a strong showing in his first year, he will look to continue his success in the final two weeks of the season.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR & ALL-STAR
OF – Liam Sutherland
The second-year outfielder was superb, bringing his speed and quick bat to the top of the Humber lineup. His .475 OBP helped lead the potent Hawks lineup as he scored 22 runs, which led the team. Defensively, Sutherland was a rock in centre as he only committed one error in his 20 games. Sutherland's grit and speed will be an important asset to this Humber lineup heading into the championship weekend.
COACH OF THE YEAR
Denny Berni
In his seventh year, Berni had his best season as head coach. The Hawks 15-5 record is the best in program history. Berni now has 66 career OCAA wins and a winning percentage of .628. His knowledge and expertise of the game have helped him develop one of the premier programs in the OCAA.
