The Bainbridge High School Bearcats varsity, junior varsity and ninth grade baseball teams were honored along with the Bainbridge Middle School baseball team at Thursday night’s annual baseball awards banquet at the Bainbridge High School cafeteria.
Varsity awards went to Grant McDonald, who was hitter of the year, and Tate Lambert, who was pitcher of the year. McDonald was also elected team captain by his teammates.
Also earning varsity awards were Dustin Strickland as fielder of the year, Ben Day, who received the academic award for having the highest grade point average on the team, and Grayson Heard, who won the teammate award for his high character and always-positive spirit.
Junior varsity awards went to Ty Varnum, who was hitter of the year, Cayden McQuaid, who was pitcher of the year, Noah Bryant, who was defensive player of the year, and Wright Cook, who had the highest grade point average on the team for academics.
Will Kelley won the ninth grade teams defensive player of the year award, Dustin Hodge won the ninth grade teams pitcher of the year award and Dalvin Spivie won the ninth grade teams hitter of the year award.
Middle School awards went to Devin Morris, who was hitter of the year, Nick Barber, who was pitcher of the year, Walt Burrell, who was defensive player of the year and the academic award went to Hayden Martin for having the highest grade point average.
Bearcats varsity head coach Brian McCorkle praised his varsity, junior varsity and middle school players for their hard work and dedication.
Former outstanding Bearcats shortstop and pitcher Jason Andrews, who went on to have an outstanding career at Georgia Southern University, was the featured speaker for the night. He congratulated the players on their accomplishments and urged them to begin with strong preparation.
“Preparation starts with strong academics which you need to be successful in sports and life,” he said. “You need to make a positive plan and stick with it.”