Oct 30, 2024 | Jamie Downton | 713 views
2024 WCBA Award Winners
On behalf of the entire baseball community
and the WCBA executive, we would like to congratulate the following winners of
the Player, Coach, Umpire and Volunteer of the year award for Western Counties.
Umpire of the Year – Paul Ketchum, Chatham
"Paul will take the time to explain to the kids why he made the call or even help offer advice to help the kids improve their own skills. Paul is 100% there for the kids and seeing the smile on his face each game can’t help but bring joy to others. With his many years of experience, he is the most respected umpire I know."
Coach(es) of the Year – Pat McMahon and Michael Dozois, Chatham
"These nonparent volunteers have stepped up to coach the 14U Chatham diamonds team the last 2-seasons. Pat and Mike have coached many teams over the past 20-30 years, and they are the most dedicated coaches I have ever seen. Pat took the team from one of the worst in Ontario, to OBA champions through tireless efforts with extra practices and games. The team had only 3-4 pitchers when they started, and Mike has transformed the entire team into serviceable pitchers. Players were asked where they wanted to contribute to the team and when all 13 players showed an interest in pitching Pat found extra practice time and game play to make it all work out. It is incredible to see the effort these men have put in to not only improve the players skills but also the maturity and accountability life lessons as well. I for one feel blessed to have had the opportunity to work and learn from them."
Player of the Year – Clayton Armstrong, Wyoming 11u River League
"Clayton was our catcher in 11U River League and was the heart and soul of our team. All but one of our pitchers were new to pitching this year and Clayton spent every game encouraging and guiding his teammates with every pitch, every game. When he saw a pitcher getting frustrated, he would take it upon himself to call time, walk to the mound, and give a pep talk to let them know they are doing great, they’ve got this, and it's just like playing catch. He was congratulated by opposing coaches on his maturity and compassion for his teammates as you would think he was a travel catcher many years older. This positive attitude continued to the bench where he would be heard helping re-focus and encourage his teammates while batting. Clayton was an absolute class act in all aspects of the game this season."
Volunteer of the Year – John Vasey, Sarnia
"John has been apart of the Sarnia Braves-Brigade for over 25 years. John has been a coach, assistant coach, convenor, president, treasurer, and perhaps his favorite role that being the executive chef of Errol Russell Park. John has been a champion of our community’s youth and has personally provided funding to those less fortunate in order to allow them to play. John has never sought any recognition for all the time he has volunteered. Just watching kids play the sport he loved was satisfaction for John. John could be seen at Blackwell Park, Clearwater Park, Germain Park, and his favorite Errol Russel Park cheering on his hometown Braves and in later years Brigade."
Congratulations to all award winners from the Western Counties Baseball Association!