Nearly a decade ago, the deft glovework of Nick Ahmed helped the Westhampton Aviators take home their first-ever league crown. Now a pillar in the middle of the Arizona Diamondbacks infield, it's helped him reel in one of the game's most coveted prizes.

In November, Ahmed won the National League Gold Glove at shortstop, the first in his big-league career. In doing so, the 2009 Aviator star became the first player in HCBL history to capture the honor.

“It’s an award I’ve obviously followed as a shortstop and a guy who values defense for my whole career," Ahmed said. "And even going back to before I was in the major leagues, it’s something I looked up to as a young kid. So it’s very special.”

It was a banner year for Ahmed, who posted career highs in hits (121), home runs (16) and RBI (70) during his fifth season in the desert. However, his glovework stood out even more. With just nine errors in 606 chances, Ahmed posted a shiny .985 fielding percentage at short, tops for all NL regulars at the position. He finished second behind only the Giants' Brandon Crawford in assists with 432 in 148 games.

Ahmed's award ended an impressive run by Crawford, who captured NL Gold Glove honors from 2015 to 2017. Ahmed was joined on the Gold Glove lineup by teammate Zack Greinke, who earned his third NL Gold Glove at pitcher to go with two previous nods in the American League.

Ahmed was a mainstay at short for the 2009 league champion Aviators, exhibiting his defensive wizardry and serving as a catalyst for the Westhampton offense. The East Longmeadow, MA, native was named the league's top prospect, his evaluation then including a strong evaluation of his effort on the mound. For the summer, the UConn product led Westhampton in runs scored (28) and stolen bases (19), while also posting a 1.04 ERA in 8 2/3 innings out of the bullpen.

"The Hamptons League definitely helped make me a better hitter," Ahmed said. "My summer there was awesome; we had a great group of guys, won the championship, and I got to enjoy the summer in a beautiful beach town."

Photo courtesy Arizona Diamondbacks