2024 MWBL AWARDS

The 202​4 MWBL Awards were posted today. For a list of all the 202​4 MWBL Awards Results please check out the Awards Results Page.

The 2024 Mid-West Baseball League season was nothing short of spectacular, with its MVPs delivering performances that will be remembered for years to come. In the American League, Shohei Ohtani of the Fremont Cannons dazzled fans and critics alike with his extraordinary talent and versatility. Ohtani’s remarkable stats, including a .275 batting average, a .391 on-base percentage, 38 home runs, 85 RBIs, 115 runs scored, and 17 stolen bases, solidified his position as a true baseball phenomenon. His ability to excel both as a hitter and a pitcher makes him a once-in-a-generation player, earning him the well-deserved title of American League MVP.
Meanwhile, in the National League, Ronald Acuna of the Valdosta Snappers delivered a season for the ages. Acuna’s jaw-dropping .371 batting average, .439 on-base percentage, 48 home runs, 120 RBIs, 165 runs scored, and an incredible 104 stolen bases left fans in awe. His electrifying speed and power at the plate made him an unstoppable force, and his MVP win is a testament to his hard work and dedication. Acuna’s performance not only set new standards for excellence but also inspired countless MWBL owners to dream big.
Both Ohtani and Acuna have set the bar high for future seasons, and their achievements have added a new chapter of glory to the Mid-West Baseball League’s storied history. Congratulations to these exceptional athletes for their outstanding contributions to the game!

In an electrifying 2024 season, Sandy Alcantara of the Fremont Cannons once again showcased his pitching prowess, clinching his second American League Cy Young Award in a row with a stellar 20-6 record and a remarkable 2.91 ERA. Alcantara’s consistency and dominance on the mound have solidified his reputation as one of the league’s premier pitchers, earning him well-deserved accolades and admiration from fans and peers alike.
Meanwhile, in the National League, Gerrit Cole of the Tempe Tempers delivered a season for the ages, capturing the Cy Young Award with an awe-inspiring 28-3 record and an impressive 1.83 ERA. Cole’s masterful command and relentless determination have not only led his team to victory but have also etched his name in the annals of MWBL history as one of the most formidable pitchers of his era. His performance this season is a testament to his exceptional talent, leading the Tempers to a World Series appearance.

In the 2024 Mid-West Baseball League, the Rookie of the Year honors were awarded to two outstanding players who made significant impacts in their respective leagues. In the American League, Bobby Witt Jr. of the Detroit Crime showcased his exceptional talent by batting .255 with a .304 on-base percentage. His impressive stats included 30 home runs, 81 RBIs, and 54 steals, while he crossed the plate 97 times. Witt Jr.’s defensive prowess was also notable, committing only 21 errors over 159 games, all at the demanding position of shortstop. In the National League, James Outman of the Corktown Cycle demonstrated his prowess by batting .262 with a .351 on-base percentage. He contributed 31 home runs, 78 RBIs, and 20 steals, scoring 89 runs. Both players have set a high standard for future rookies with their remarkable performances and have proven to be invaluable assets to their teams.

The Rolaids Reliever of the Year award celebrates the extraordinary talents of the league’s top relief pitchers, and this year, the accolades go to two outstanding athletes who have demonstrated exceptional skill and resilience on the mound. In the American League, David Bednar of the Hollywood Werewolves has been nothing short of phenomenal, securing 45 saves across 68 games. His impressive 2.66 ERA and a remarkable WHIP of 0.85 underscore his dominance and reliability in high-pressure situations, earning him well-deserved praise and recognition.
Meanwhile, in the National League, Tanner Scott of the Valdosta Snappers has been a beacon of excellence, achieving 41 saves with a stellar 2.26 ERA and an outstanding WHIP of 0.81 over the same number of games. Scott’s ability to consistently deliver under pressure has been pivotal for his team, making him a worthy recipient of this prestigious award. Both Bednar and Scott have set the gold standard for relief pitching in the MWBL, and their contributions have been instrumental in their teams’ successes this season.

The Manager of the Year Award in the Mid-West Baseball League (MWBL) celebrates the exceptional leadership and strategic brilliance of its recipients. This year, the American League honors Steve Cutler of the Hollywood Werewolves, marking his sixth win of the Award. Cutler’s masterful guidance led the Werewolves to an impressive 108-54 record, securing the top seed in the A.L. Playoffs. His ability to inspire and drive his team to such heights is a testament to his unparalleled managerial acumen. In the National League, Patrick Vukelich of the Triple Creek Patriots earns his first Manager of the Year accolade. Vukelich’s Patriots dominated with a 109-53 season, clinching first place in the N.L. West and the second seed in the N.L. Playoffs. His innovative strategies and unwavering dedication have set a new standard for excellence in the league. Both managers exemplify the pinnacle of baseball leadership, earning their place among the MWBL’s finest.

For a complete review of how the votes played out click here:  2024 AWARDS VOTING COMPLETE.

AMERICAN LEAGUE AWARD WINNERS

NATIONAL LEAGUE AWARD WINNERS 

SPECIAL NOTE & UPDATE – by Casey Hoch

Manager of the Year: Steve Cutler has fourth place to himself with his sixth award win, trailing only Chris, Stray, and George.

Gold Glove Catcher: Tucker Barnhart is now tied for second place with Joe Mauer with his 4th GG, trailing only Yadier Molina’s seven wins.

Gold Glove 3B: Nolan Arenado stands alone with his 6th GG at third base. Manny Machado is the only active player close to him with five.

MVP Award: Shohei Ohtani moves into the rare group of nine players with two or more MVPs

Cy Young Award: Sandy Alcantara moves into the rare group of twelve pitchers with two or more CYAs. His 3-point win denied Clayton Kershaw’s fourth CYA, which would have put him one behind Pedro Martinez for the most.

All-Star Pitchers: Kershaw still moved up the ranks here. His 11th ASG puts him one behind Mariano Rivera for the most appearances by a pitcher. Max Scherzer’s 8th ASG ties him at fifth-most with Justin Verlander. Gerrit Cole is in a group for the 11th-most appearances with his 5th ASG nod.

All-Star Players: Paul Goldschmidt’s 10th ASG appearance ties him for 3rd most with 4 others, two off the lead shared by Miguel Cabrera and Derek Jeter. Nolan Arenado is tied for ninth-most appearances with several others at 8 ASGs. Freddie Freeman is tied for fourteenth-most appearances with 7. Bryce Harper and Francisco Lindor join the group tied for 24th-most appearances with their 6th ASG each.