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"This season was special," said manager Sal Colangelo. "We didn't have that one superstar on the roster, but our roster was hands down the deepest in the league. All of the guys were dedicated to the game and committed to winning. These players exemplified what Big Train is all about and are all well deserving of these honors."  

 

Top Defensive Player: Ryne Willard (Tallahassee Community College) made several spectacular defensive plays at shortstop over the course of the season and was a consistent defensive presence. Willard led the team with 111 assists and boasted a strong .940-fielding percentage.

 

Hustle Award: Whether it was running out a ground ball for an infield hit or tracking a fly ball in the outfield for a SportsCenter-worthy diving catch, there is no doubt that David Del Grande (Sacramento St.) proved that he deserves the 2013 Hustle Award. In 40 games for the Big Train, Del Grande raked up 40 hits, including 9 doubles, 34 runs scored, and 8 stolen bases while providing the Big Train arguably the league's top defensive center field.

 

Most Outstanding Hitter: Ty France (San Diego St.) not only proved his consistency by hitting .331 in the regular season, he showed his ability to hit in the clutch by raising his average to .353 during the playoffs, also leading the team in sacrifice hits. France finished the season second on the team in hits, RBI's, slugging percentage and OPS despite missing five games. 

 

Most Outstanding Pitcher: Michael Boyle (Radford) started six games for the Big Train in 2013, picking up five wins. Boyle posted an outstanding ERA of 0.77, recording two complete games and two shutouts. Opponents hit a paltry .153 against Boyle this season and he gave up only three earned runs all year.

 

Team MVP: Pitchers typically do not win MVP awards but it is clear that Bubba Derby (San Diego St.) earned this award by becoming the most dominant pitcher in the Cal Ripken League in 2013. Selected to the First Team Summer Collegiate All-America team by Perfect Game USA, Derby led the league in wins (6), ERA (0.76) and strikeouts (56). Derby was the Big Train workhorse during the regular season, logging 47.1 innings, and continued to be the team ace in playoffs where he gave up only two hits while striking out nine batters in seven innings against the Rockville Express during the CRCBL Championship Series.