Baseball / League honors 2015's top performers

League honors 2015's top performers

Date:  Source: New York City Metro Baseball League

On Nov. 16, the NYCMBL hosted its annual end-of-the-year bash at the Public House NYC, celebrating the top players, managers and umpires of the 2015 season. Individuals from both divisions were honored at the gala, as the league announced its Cy Young, Manager-of-the-Year and MVP awards for both regular and postseason play at the banquet. 

Unsurprisingly, Mark Perez of the Manhattan Braves picked up the Single-A regular season MVP award after leading the league in all three triple crown categories this summer. Perez hit .500, drove in 30 runs and clubbed 3 homers, which tied him with Miguel Ferreras of the Titans for most in the division.  Ferraras, who was invaluable on the mound and at the plate for the Titans during their run to the 2015 Single-A title, was named the postseason MVP. 

Perez's teammate John Garcia won Cy Young honors this year, as well. Garcia posted a perfect 6-0 record while leading the division in both stirkeouts (84) and ERA (0.89). 

Whitestone Nationals' manager Antonio Pinzon was named the Single-A's top manager after his team orchestrated a dramatic turnaround in 2015. The Nats improved on their 5-20 record in 2014 by going 11-11 this summer and reaching the division semifinals. 

In the Double-A division, Orioles' shortstop Luis Rosario also parlayed a triple-crown season into the MVP award. Rosario hit .523 with 6 HRs  and 23 RBIs to pace the league this year. His teammate, pitcher Anthony Cabrera, led the league in regular season wins but truly shined in the postseason, posting a perfect 2-0 record as the Orioles went on to capture their first-ever NYCMBL title.

Mud Hens' pitcher Joe Benkert took home the Cy Young award after posting a 5-0 record with a 0.43 ERA during the regular season. Benkert also picked up a save on the year and struck out 54 batters in 32 innings of work. 

Mike Smith was handed the Double-A Manager of the Year trophy after guiding the Mud Hens to a 15-8 record and an appearance in the title game. 

TJ Conaboy was also applauded for his outstanding work this year, as managers recognized him as the league's top umpire.