BRENDAN GRANT SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD GIVEN AT 2004 BABE RUTH WORLD SERIES

Award given to Colin Wernecke from Tri-County Texas
and Josh Parrish from Newark Ohio.

Ceremony held on Saturday, August 21 at the conclusion of the
2004 16-18 year old Babe Ruth championship game in Newark, Ohio

NEWARK, OH -- This year marks the third presentation of a special sportsmanship award named in recognition of Brendan  Grant by Babe Ruth League, Inc.  The awards were given on 21 August 2004 at the conclusion of the 2004 Senior Babe Ruth 16-18 year old World Series at Don Edwards Park in Newark Ohio (just East of Columbus) on a warm summer Saturday afternoon.  

This year the 2004 recipients were Colin Wernecke of Tri-County Texas for the American Division, and Josh Parrish of Newark Ohio for the National Division.  

The presentation followed the championship game between Worcester MA from the New England Region and San Gabriel Valley CA from the Pacific Southwest Region.  San Gabriel jumped out to a 2 to nothing lead after the first inning, and never looked back, sealing the victory with a 8 to 2 score.  The winning pitcher was Blake Gailen, and homeruns were hit by Bill Spottiswood of San Gabriel Valley and Kevin Renaud of Worcester.  This was the sixth Babe Ruth League 16-18 World Series San Gabriel Valley.

Following the game, other awards were likewise presented.  The Most Outstanding Player was awarded to Bill Spottiswood, San Gabriel Valley, CA, and the Batting Champion was Mike Fehr, Cincinnati, OH.  In addition, the All-Tournament Team was announced as follows: Outfield -- Mike Fehr, Cincinnati, OH; Trevor Bell, San Gabriel Valley, CA.; Jim Bombard, Worcester, MA.  First Base -- Chris Beerman, Cincinnati, OH.  Second Base -- Jeff LaHair, Worcester, MA.  Third Base -- Scott Hubbard, Mineral Area, MO.  Shortstop -- Scott Hodsdon, San Gabriel Valley, CA.  Catching -- Joe Billheimer, San Gabriel Valley, CA.  Pitcher -- Bill Spottiswood, San Gabriel Valley, CA; Doug Stevens, Newark, OH  Utility Player -- Johnny Soberal, San Gabriel Valley, CA. 

In addition, the All-Defensive Team was announced as follows: Outfield -- Rob Hendrich, Mobile, AL; Keith Renaud, Worcester, MA; Chris Riley, Hammond, IN.  First Base -- Kyle Dyar, Newark, OH.  Second Base -- Jed Momot, Mineral Area, MO.  Third Base -- Brian Farris, San Gabriel Valley, CA.  Shortstop -- Adam Howard, Mineral Area, MO.  Catcher -- Cliff Downey, Mobile, AL.  Pitcher -- Blake Gailen, San Gabriel Valley, CA.   Utility -- Jeff Ching, Seattle, WA.

Click here for the story on the 2003 awards or here for the 2002 recipients.  Next year's 2005 tournament for the 16-18 year old group is anticipated to again be held in the new Babe Ruth complex located in Newark Ohio, just East of Columbus.  For more information, check out the Babe Ruth League website for further details. 

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