Note: Majority of these awards are based on formulas I personally developed almost 10 seasons ago, while coaching the IronPigs. These formulas factor in statistics, including various rate stats.
The Cardinals sophomore season brought some changes, which included adding a team into the Granite State Baseball 28+ Division. As the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions have slowly eased, the Cardinals Franchise played in more Fall tournaments after the 2020 cancellations.
With the franchise's continued success, the Cardinals had some outstanding performances in 2021.
18+ MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: DANYER FABIAN
Several players put up strong cases, but Danyer Fabian's steady performance in the lineup and key appearances out of the bullpen gave the edge over his competitors.
Fabian had a microscopic 1.08 ERA. If he had just recorded just 1 more out, he would of broke the franchise's ERA record.
Honorable Mention(s): Jimmy Leary, Juan Arias and Brian MacDonald*
* MacDonald led 18+ Cardinals in HR (2), RBI (11) and Offensive WAR (2.7) depsite playing in only 5 games
28+ MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: BEN QUICK
Another competitive award, but Ben Quick's presence in the 28's two-hole slot was a catalyst for the Cardinals offense all season. Quick led the 28's in Average (.410), On-Base % (.507), runs scored (19), runs created (19) and 2nd in offensive WAR (3.3), hits (25), OPS (1.031)
Honorable Mention(s): Cameron Conway, Kevin Veilleux and Siul Mejia
18+ PLAYOFF MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: ALEX STREMPEL
Literally, the closest call. It came down to rookie Alex Strempel and Juan Arias. In the end, Strempel's Game 2 performance against the Raphael Club Black Sox was the difference maker.
After being used as a reserve for most of the season, Strempel came off the bench and supplied instant offense throughout the playoffs.
While the award is solely based on Strempel's 18+ playoff performance, he did set a few Cardinals franchise playoff records, including Average (.467), Hits (14), Total Bases (18) and Doubles (4-tied). All of that damage done in 9 playoff games (5 games in 18+).
Honorable Mention(s): Juan Arias
28+ PLAYOFF MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: SIUL MEJIA
Mejia paced the 28+ Cardinals playoff lineup, batting .450, driving a franchise playoff record 8 runs on 9 hits, 4 of which were doubles (tying franchise playoff record). If it wasn't for Strempel's performance, he would of set more playoff records.
Honorable Mention(s): Craig Popsie
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: JUAN ARIAS
Arias was a constant threat at the plate during the year for both teams, coming especially strong during the playoffs and tournaments. He led the franchise in Slugging % (.521), OPS (1.021), Total Bases (50), Doubles (10) and Offensive WAR (4.5).
Honorable Mention(s): Ben Quick, Cameron Conway and Siul Mejia
PITCHER OF THE YEAR: CRAIG POPSIE
After missing all of 2020 due to broken ankle and leg injuries from a fall, Popsie returned in 2021 to pitch despite not being fully healthy and dealing with pain. As the year went along, he improved with each outing, which included one of more heroic postseason efforts in team history.
Popsie's playoff performance against the Lakes Region Muskrats will live in Cardinal lore for awhile. Popsie pitched a 7-inning CG for a win, then started Game 3, pitching 6 more innings. If not for a late run scored by Muskrats, would of been a second win for Popsie --- all on the same day. (Cardinals still won the game and the series)
Honorable Mention(s): Jimmy Leary, Danyer Fabian and Rabel Vargas
Fabian also had similar playoff performance against the Black Sox in the 18+ playoffs
GOLD GLOVE: CHRIS GAUSS
Several players were in the running for this award. Although known for his bat, Gauss had a solid rookie season at 1B, making just 2 errors in 111 total chances. He set a franchise record with a 10.11 Range Factor and led team in Defensive WAR.
Honorable Mention(s): Kevin Veilleux, Garrett Hughes and Cameron Conway
COACHES AWARD: ALEX 'SPARK PLUG' STREMPEL
This award is the one of two awards that is not based on statistics and/or the formula, but by the eye test.
Just like last year, the coaches threw around a few names for this award. It wasn't an easy call, but we ultimately landed on Strempel. Every week Alex came to the games for both teams, knowing he would come off the bench, but always made the most of his opportunities with sacrifice and without complaint. Ultimate team-first guy.
Honorable Mention(s): Damean Currier, Kevin Veilleux and Aaron Chauvette
TOURNAMENT TEAM MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: JUAN ARIAS
Despite only playing in 5 games in two tournaments, Arias led in Average (.556), On-Base % (.652), Slugging % (.833), OPS (1.485), Doubles (5), Total Bases (15), Walks (5), second in Hits (11), Runs (6) and Runs Batted In (6).
Furthermore, his defensive prowess from the hot corner and short stop was, putting it mildly, off the charts.
Honorable Mention(s): Carlos Veras, who batted .516 in 8 games
MUSKRAT AWARD: ERIK ROZZI
The Muskrat Award is the second eye-test award and is handed out by the players' peers for the Laconia Fall Classic Tournament.
The award came down to 3-4 MVP-like performances. In the end, the players awarded it to Rozzi for his performance over the entirety of the Tournament.
Honorable Mention(s): Aaron Wovkanech, Craig Popsie and Aaron Stella
GSBL ALL-STAR SELECTIONS:
After the All-Star Game's cancellation in 2020, the midsummer game was brought back for 2021 at Concord's Memorial Field. The Cardinals 18+ and 28+ teams had 3 players each make the All-Star Game with additional players added later on.
18+ Hitter All-Star: Chris Gauss
28+ Hitter All-Star: Ben Quick (named All-Star Game MVP)
18+ Pitcher All-Star: Mike Gamache
28+ Pitcher All-Star: Rabel Vargas
18+ Third All-Star Selection: Cameron Conway
28+ Third All-Star Selection: Kevin Veilleux
Pitcher All-Star Selection: Aaron Chauvette
Pitcher All-Star Selection: Christopher Daigle
Third Base Coach: Aaron Wovkanech
GSBL18 CY YOUNG AWARD: JIMMY LEARY
Not a Cardinals Award, but a Granite State Baseball League Regular Season Award. Leary won a near unanimous league vote after leading the 18+ Division in ERA (1.99; next closest was 3.86) and WHIP (1.20).
