September 1, 2022

By Jeff Duda

Okotoks Dawgs

After a record-breaking championship season in 2022 that saw the Okotoks Dawgs go 49-14 en route to their sixth WCBL Championship, the staff had a long list of potential suitors for this year’s player awards.

The Okotoks Dawgs are pleased to announce this year’s award winners:

MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYER

Infielder- Ricardo Sanchez

Sanchez was a fixture in the top of the lineup and leader on this year’s championship team. In 2022, Sanchez hit .342 including 21 extra-base hits, 39 RBIs and 46 runs scored.

MOST OUTSTANDING PITCHER

LHP- Matt Wilkinson (Okotoks, Alta.)

Wilkinson had 11 appearances this season, including three starts, three wins and four saves. In 26 2/3 innings, Wilkinson struck out 43 batters, while issuing just four free passes with a stingy 1.68 ERA.

PLAYOFFS MVP

Infielder- Brendan Luther (Mississauga, Ont.)

Luther was the catalyst for the Dawgs’ potent offence and played solid defense up the middle all year. During the playoffs, Luther racked up 13 hits in seven games, batting .448 with one home runs, three RBIs and 11 runs scored.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Outfielder- Alejandro Cazorla (Okotoks, Alta.)

Cazorla was a favourite not only with his teammates and coaches, but also the fans. In his rookie campaign, Cazorla was a force at the plate batting .341 with 28 extra-base hits, including 14 doubles, nine triples, five home runs while driving in 34 on the season.

TRUE GRIT AWARD

Outfielder- Micah McDowell (Kentville, N.S.)

After his playoff run ended with NCAA D1 powerhouse Oregon State University, McDowell came straight back to Okotoks and didn’t skip a beat. In 2022, McDowell hit .381 including six doubles, three triples, two home runs while driving in 24 for the season. McDowell was also a menace on the base paths, racking up 25 stolen bases.