Gonzalez, Stevens, and Martzolf Honored with Big Train Awards

Outstanding performances highlighted the Big Train’s championship season, with three players earning individual distinctions in addition to Andrew Williamson’s (Central Florida) MVP honor. Manager Sal Colangelo recognized first baseman Emilio Gonzalez (Florida Atlantic) and pitchers Jonathan Stevens (Alabama) and Max Martzolf (Florida Atlantic) for their impressive seasons.

Emilio Gonzalez — Most Outstanding Hitter

Gonzalez was powerful and consistent at the plate, batting .337 during the regular season with two home runs. His eight doubles and 27 RBIs both rank second on the team after Williamson.

“Offensively, when we needed some runs driven in and we needed that big two-out hit or that guy to clear the bases, he stepped up all the time,” Colangelo said. “He was always in the right place at the right time. If we needed a big defensive play, he was there. If we needed big RBIs, he was there. He got it done.”

Gonzalez added on eight RBIs in the Big Train playoff run, making his swings count in pivotal moments. When the Big Train was trailing the Senators 2-1 in the first game of the championship series, Gonzalez stepped up to the plate with bases loaded. He hit a clutch double, bringing in three runs and giving the Big Train the burst of momentum it needed. Gonzalez delivered in clutch moments like that all season long.

“It feels good winning the award, but most importantly contributing to help the team win another championship,” Gonzalez said. “I feel like I improved a lot this summer not just baseball wise but as a teammate also fixing things I was struggling with and just getting more involved in the game.”

Jonathan Stevens — Pitcher of the Year

Stevens’ 1.42 ERA in the regular season speaks for itself. His impact on the mound was undeniable as he consistently set down opposing hitters with a wicked fast ball. He threw 34 strikeouts, logging three wins and a save. In three postseason innings, Stevens notched another four strikeouts.

“Jonathan Stevens, wow, just a nice southern guy who came in and wanted to work, wanted to get better, had a purpose,” Colangelo said. “His purpose was to get a bunch of innings, really pound the strike zone, work on his slider so he can help Alabama win. He came in and he threw 94 to 97 mph every game. He’s extremely hard working and dedicated.”

Stevens was an instrumental part of the Big Train’s dramatic, extra-inning win over the Alexandria Aces on July 7. The Aces loaded the bases on Stevens with no outs in the 11th inning, but Stevens didn’t let up. He froze three straight batters with swinging strikeouts to strand the runners.

“Winning pitcher of the year is a great honor and I’m thankful I was selected,” Stevens said. “Just having a lot of in-game reps helped refine my pitching overall. I had great coaches as well who adjusted small things that made a big impact. It was a great experience to be here and have the opportunity to compete.”

Max Martzolf — Relief Pitcher of the Year

A key piece of last season’s championship-winning team, Martzolf lived up to the expectations this season. He posted a 3.00 ERA with a team-leading 44 strikeouts in the regular season. He struck out 11 in six innings in the playoffs.

“We knew when we were in the seventh to the ninth inning with Martzolf and Stevens, it was going to be lights out,” Colangelo said. “Max was going to come in and throw strikes, he was going to pound the zone, and he was going to get the team the W. He’s very smart, knows how to pitch, and had a phenomenal two years.”

Martzolf was the Big Train’s go-to closer in tight games, and he routinely fanned opposing batters to secure close wins. He earned his sole win of the season in the Big Train’s dramatic comeback victory over the Silver Spring-Takoma Thunderbolts on July 15. Entering the game with two outs in the eight innings, Martzolf threw four straight strikeouts to secure the win. 

“Winning relief pitcher of the year is a huge honor,” Martzolf said. “It shows that Coach Sal and Coach Lopez have the utmost trust in me to come in and finish games. I tried to help lead the guys to victory, and I showed with my actions by delivering when Sal called upon me to help lead this team to another championship.”