Following the All-Star Game on Sunday, the MABL end-of-season awards were presented on the field at Eddie Tam Park. Award winners were selected by player votes submitted online.
The Dirtbags’ Frank Lettieri became the first player to win back-to-back MVP awards since Enmanuel Yajure during the Spring and Summer 2018 seasons. Frank hit .500 (20 for 40) en route to his third straight MABL Batting Title, also leading the league in hits (20), doubles (6), triples (3), total bases (32), slugging (.800), and OPS (1.383) while finished third in the Gold Glove voting for his work at shortstop for the Dirtbags. Callen Beeson and Dan Katayama were runners up in MVP voting.
In his rookie campaign Ian Josh, of the Kihei Centipedes, earned Cy Young and Rookie of the Year honors. Josh went 3-1 with 2 saves and a 0.69 ERA over 26.0 innings for the ‘Pedes. He held batters to a .133 opponents’ average and a 0.81 WHIP while striking out 34 batters over that span. Mike Gilligan finished second in Cy Young voting in his first season with the Pirates.
Anthony Benigno was named Manager of the Year in his third season at the helm for the Kaanapali Coast Monarchs. After going 5-7 during the Summer 2023 season, the Monarchs made the MABL playoffs for the first time in franchise history (dating back to 2014).
Chad Blackwell of the Centipedes was awarded the league Gold Glove award for the second consecutive season for his slick glove work at shortstop for the ‘Pedes this season. Fellow shortstops Elias Steadman and Frank Lettieri finished second and third in Gold Glove voting, respectively.
The Monarchs’ Justin Murphy was named the MABL’s Most Improved player by a wide margin after going 4-1 with a 3.66 ERA over 46.2 innings in his 11th season in the league.
Roy Smith was recognized by his peers as this season’s Ken Talbot award recipient. Honoring the memory of one of the league’s past players, this award is given to the member of the league who best exemplifies the qualities of sportsmanship, community involvement, and positive contributions towards others, on and off the field. Roy’s involvement with MABL Food Drives over the years, Kihei Little League, the MABL Golf Tournament and Youth Clinic, and so many other worthy causes make him incredibly worthy of this honor!
Congratulations to all award winners and nominees on tremendous seasons, and mahalo to everyone who voted as part of the recognition process! And check out the awards page to view past end-of-season award winners.