Staff
The elite of local fastball was celebrated Saturday night as the men’s and women’s leagues held their combined awards banquet at the Couchiching multi-use facility.
Stephanie Racine was the queen of the Rainy River District Women’s Fastball League castle this past season, being named most valuable player.
The natural shortstop filled in admirably when called upon at the pitcher’s spot for the Couchiching Lady Raiders while also leading the league in home runs with five (for which Racine also was honoured).
Mykenzie Borger (Emo Renegades) was selected as rookie-of-the-year while fellow pitcher Darcy Smith (Northwest Bay Beavers) captured the sportsmanship award.
On the men’s side, pitcher Jeff Morrison (Dawson Tigers) received the Gerry Harasymyk Award as MVP after leading the Rainy River District Fastball League in victories.
The Shane Jarvis Memorial Award for sportsmanship went to Tim Windigo (Windey’s Warriors) while Sight & Sound Wolves’ catcher Duane Carlson was the Umpire’s Choice winner.
Jackson Arpin (Stratton Eagles) was chosen for rookie-of-the-year, with Vaughan Wilson (Barwick Blue Knights) being named manager-of-the-year.
Travis Tom (Fort Frances Braves) was lauded for being the home-run king with a league-topping eight dingers,
Top players also were chosen at each position, including Morrison and Wilson (shortstop).
The rest of the honourees were Cole Tymkin (Braves) at catcher, DJ Mosbeck (Barwick Blue Knights) at first, Mike Parisien (Braves) at second, and Brad Wakefield (Knights) at third.
The outfield selections included Dakota Andy (Braves), Ryder Woolsey (Knights), and Faron Morrisseau (Couchiching Raiders).
Jaden Gustafson (Braves) was chosen as the top utility player.
