Former Roughrider earns Ban Johnson MVP
BAN JOHNSON BASEBALL HONORS BEST IN THE LEAGUE
The Ban Johnson Collegiate Baseball League honored 2022 league participants at its annual awards banquet December 27 at the Marriott Overland Park.
Frankie Circello, BJ Raiders first baseman, was honored as the 2022 Lester Milgram Most Valuable Player. He was also named the 2022 Bob Allison Offensive Player of the Year. Circello finished best in the league with a .746 SLUG and second in the league with a 1.208 On- base+SLUG. He had the most home runs with eight, and tied for most RBIs with 27. According to his manager Jake Bradshaw, “Frankie was the heart of our lineup and a staple for us at first base. He came up with some big timely hits and even bigger home runs.” The Staley High School and Crowder College graduate attends Marshall University (WVA).
Joe Daneff, Creche Innovations Stars third base/shortstop, received the 2022 Hustle Award.
Daneff tied for most RBIs with 27. He had five home runs, fourth best in the league, and was fifth in the league with a .500 on-base percentage. According to his manager Kyle Clifton, “Joe was the keystone of the Stars. He made some plays I’ve never seen a player make at this level.” The Park Hill High School graduate attends Emporia State University.
Austin Brooks, BJ Raiders RHP, received the 2022 Rick Sutcliffe Pitcher of the Year award.
He finished with a 5-0 record, was best in the league with a 0.75 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and .070 opponent BA and his 47 strikeouts was second best in the league. His manager Jake Bradshaw noted, “Brooks was lights out this year on the mound.” The Plattsburg (MO) High School and Metropolitan Community College graduate is now the pitching coach for MCC.
Dylan Grego, BJ Raiders shortstop, had a 0.986 fielding percentage, earning him the 2022 Frank White Award for Fielding Excellence. His manager Jake Bradshaw noted, “Dylan was rock solid in the field.” The Staley High School graduate attends Ball State University.
BJ Raiders, under the leadership of Manager Jake Bradshaw, swept the divisional playoffs and championship series to capture the league title for the third consecutive year.
Mike Peterson was the 46th inductee into the Ban Johnson Hall of Fame. Peterson has been a member of the staff of the Milgram Mustangs team since 1976. He was a decades-long coach under legendary manager Don Motley and currently serves as general manager of the team.
Ban Johnson is Kansas City's summer collegiate baseball league. Founded in 1927, the league features area college players on twelve teams that play at Creekside Baseball Complex in Parkville, MO. A highlight of each season is the annual All Star Game hosted by the Royals at Kauffman Stadium. David Cone, Rick Sutcliffe and Frank White are among Ban Johnson alums that progressed to outstanding MLB careers.