By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
OHS Baseball Awards Presentation Wraps Up Season
Coach
Varsity baseball head coach Chris Henry was grateful for the present that the team got him for all his hard work and dedication. Henry was named Coach of the Year for the Valley Oak League. Leader Photos By Dennis D. Cruz - photo by DENNIS D. CRUZ/THE LEADER

The ‘Boys of Summer’ earned their final recognition this past week when the Oakdale High School baseball program handed out end of the season awards. On May 29 players from the three program levels – freshman, JV and varsity – along with their families, friends and fans gathered at the Oakdale High School baseball stadium for food and the ceremony.

The 2018 campaign was a successful one overall for the Mustangs. Under first year varsity head coach Chris Henry, the Mustang varsity boys won the Valley Oak League with an 11-3 record. The team also had a steady balance of power and pitching this year at the varsity level. Oakdale scored 110 runs and gave up 56 on the season.

Helping lead the team was third baseman Dylan Wright. He was awarded with the team’s Most Valuable Player award. The senior had 34 hits and 26 RBI on the year. Wright hit three home runs on the season. While covering third base he had a fielding percentage of .815.

Defensive Player of the Year went to catcher Max Moore. He caught in nearly every game for Oakdale. Moore batted .400 on the year in 28 games played. He drove in 22 runs and scored 18. He had a fielding percentage of .988 and only had two errors on the season. Moore had 21 assists on the year as well.

The team’s Offensive Player of the Year honor went to Jacob Solorio, who was also named the Valley Oak League Player of the Year the week prior. Solorio hit three home runs and brought in 15 runs while batting .487 on the season. His biggest game of the year came against Lathrop where he went 3-for-3 with four RBI and a walk. He also had a big day against Kimball where he went 2-for-3 with a double and a home run.

Rounding out the top honors for the varsity team was Alex Daoud. The shortstop was recognized as the Mustang Award recipient. The Mustang Award is given out to an athlete for their contributions and efforts both during games as well as practice. As the team’s shortstop, Daoud had many exciting moments in the field. At the plate he finished the season with a .396 average with 36 hits and 19 RBI as the leadoff hitter. The junior had a fielding percentage of .930 and threw for 13 double plays this year.

For the junior varsity team, four awards were given out. Dom McDonald was awarded the Best Defensive Player of the Year. Carson Cripe won the Offensive Player of the Year Award. Catcher Evan Waite was this year’s Mustang Award recipient. The team’s Most Valuable Player of the Year award went to Brett Maddock.

The freshman team honored five players for their first year efforts. Joey Jansen was named the team’s Best Defensive Player. Donovan Walker took home the Mustang Award. Pitcher Owen Pena brought home the Pitcher’s Award. Gannon Davis won the Best Offensive Player Award and Noah Chelberg was named Most Valuable Player.

Following the ceremony, the varsity team presented head coach Chris Henry with a signed home plate with the team’s VOL-winning record on it.