2012 Top Defenders Rewarded for Best Fielding Percentages

(ROCHESTER, MN) The Northwoods League has announced the recipients of the 2012 Rawlings “Finest in the Field” Award. The annual award recognizes the top fielders at each position. The winners are selected based on final fielding statistics compiled by league statistician Pointstreak, a Vancouver, British Columbia based sports statistical service company. The 2012 Rawlings Finest in the Field Award recipients and their field percentages are below.

The expansion Lakeshore Chinooks had their first award winner as Chinooks outfielder Forrest Chadwick committed zero errors in 83 total chances. Corner infielders from Wisconsin Rapids were honored as first baseman Joshua Cyr committed 5 errors in 453 chances and third baseman Brandon Hohl had 128 assists from the hot corner. Thunder Bay shortstop Brett Kay continued his defensive prowess in the NWL by winning the award for the second year in a row. The Eau Claire Express starred in the outfield for the second season as outfielder Ryan Shober committed zero errors in 96 chances.  Willmar Stingers catcher J.D. Dorgan made just two errors behind the plate while Waterloo pitcher Jake Powers didn’t commit and error in 22 chances off the mound.

Rawlings has been rewarding the top defenders in the Northwoods League since 2002. The recipients receive a special Rawlings baseball glove mounted on an engraved trophy base. Rawlings is the official equipment provider for the Northwoods League.

To qualify for an award a player needs to appear in at least two-thirds of the scheduled games at a specific position, with the exception of catcher which is half. For pitchers, the player that had the highest total defensive chances without committing an error earns the number one spot.

The Northwoods League has more teams, plays more games, and draws more fans than any other Summer Collegiate Baseball League in North America.