The amazing array of talent on the 2012 Herts Falcons roster produced the most successful season in Falcons history. This achievement has also been reflected in the end-of-season National Baseball League (NBL) awards and feats which have just been announced by Project COBB.
Two-time NBL Most Valuable Player, Ryan Bird, just missed out on winning the MVP award for a third time. He was pipped at the post by fellow South African and Harlow Nationals superstar, Jarrod Pretorius, who proved to be a thorn in the Falcons’ side all season, including in game 6 of the National Final.
Despite missing out on the MVP award, Ryan Bird’s outstanding performances have been recognised by awarding him the Best First Baseman Award, which is a fielding award, equivalent to the Gold Gloves awarded in MLB.
Two other Herts players were also awarded Best Fielder awards. Robbie Unsell was given the Best Shortstop award adding to the many other NBL accolades in his name over the years. Cris Hiche received Best Outfielder award recognising his exceptional debut seaosn in the British leagues with the Herts Falcons.
Maikel Azcuy won the home-run title. This is his third Home Run Champion award. He previous won the award in 2010 and 2007. He now has the third highest career home run tally in the modern game. Azcuy also claimed the “Most RBIs” title to round off a fantastic season which included an appearance in the European Championships for Great Britain.
Harlow Nationals’ Roberto Almanzar won the Best Pitcher title while Southampton’s Gary Davison was declared the Most Valuable Two-Way Player.
The full list of Best Fielder winners is as follows:
• C: Will Lintern (HARLOW NATIONALS);
• 1B: Ryan Bird (HERTS FALCONS);
• 2B: Luis Goncalves (HARLOW NATIONALS);
• 3B: Jarrod Pretorius (HARLOW NATIONALS);
• SS: Robbie Unsell (HERTS FALCONS);
• OF: Cristobal Hiche (HERTS FALCONS);
• OF: Michael Trask (BRACKNELL BLAZERS);
• OF: Marius Urbanavicius (SOUTHAMPTON MUSTANGS).
In another announcement made by Project COBB earlier today, voting has just opened for the 2012 British Baseball Photography Competition. Two Herts Baseball Club entrants feature among the 10 shortlisted finalists. To see the gallery of 10 entries shortlisted by the judging panel and to cast your vote, CLICK HERE. One vote will be accepted per email address and the ballot will close at 11.59pm on 16 November.
Project COBB is an online collaboration that was founded by Joe Gray in 2008. Joe was subsequently awarded a Life Membership of the British Baseball Federation to acknowledge his contributions to chronicling the game’s present and restoring its past. Joe acts as coordinator for the initiative, but its success depends largely on the work of its valued collaborators, who comprise members of a SABR Chartered Community and other contributors. You can find out further details at the Project COBB website.