Miller Express hand out annual awards

Blake Gallagher did a little bit of everything for the Moose Jaw Miller Express this season, and when you bring value in a variety of areas to your baseball team, coaches are going to notice.

So, after a Western Major Baseball League campaign that saw Gallagher perform solidly at the plate and in the field, while also acting as one of the team’s top relievers, it wasn’t too surprising when he was named the team’s Most Valuable Player at their annual awards gathering recently.

Gallagher started the season in the bullpen and, more often than not, held the fort when called upon; he never allowed more than two earned runs through his 13 appearances, striking out 20 while walking 12 and putting together a 4.80 earned run average, holding opponents to a sub.200 average most of the season. Gallagher became a regular in the infield as the season progressed, putting up a .927 fielding percentage and making only eight errors in 37 games.

Then there was the Fredricton, N.B. product’s performance at the plate – Gallagher finished third in team batting after hitting .296, while also hitting two home runs and knocking in 14 to go along with crossing the plate 20 times.

The Pitcher of the Year award was shared by Mitchell Robinson and Mason Garispe. Robinson – who won the same award last year – started six games and put together a 1-1 record, including three quality starts. He finished with a 2.61 earned run average and 51 strike-outs with only 12 walks.

Garispe saw action in nine games and went 4-3 with five quality starts. He struck out 67 and walked 21, finishing with a 5.32 ERA.

The Gold Glove award as the team’s top fielder went to Eric Marriott after he put together a stellar .989 fielding percentage while patrolling the outfield. He played a team-high 41 games and 356.2 innings and made one error to go along with 92 put outs.

Scott Platt won the Miller Express Silver Slugger award as the top hitter. He hit .299 with nine doubles, one home run and 13 RBI while scoring 23 runs. Ty Barclay received the Coach’s Award after catching 29 games, hitting .211 with 16 RBI and 21 walks.

The Moose Jaw Miller Express handed out their annual year-end awards recently. Picking up honours were Ty Barclay (left), Mason Garispe, Mitchell Robinson, Eric Marriott, Blake Gallagher and Scott Platt.