It has been a summer to remember for the Sarnia Braves.
Already enjoying the best season in the program's history, the team is a win away from closing out the Southwest Baseball League finals. They can win the league championship with a win over Ilderton Tuesday night.
Julian Service played a major role in the teams success this season, and that didn't go unnoticed by the powers at be.
Julian Service of the Sarnia Braves (submitted photo)
The Braves centrefielder was named Ontario Senior Baseball's Most Valuable Player, leading the province in batting average (.504) and on base percentage (.613). He was also second in home runs with ten, and fourth in RBI's with 45.
Head Coach James Grant says Service was a force all season long from the lead off spot.
"We moved him to the top of the order to get him a bit of a different look, and it really worked out," says Grant. "As a lead off hitter with that much power, he was a big difference maker for us all season."
Grant says although his offensive numbers jump out at you, Service's defensive game is what makes him so valuable.
"Even if he has a rare off night at the plate he still makes an impact in the field," he says. "He covers so much ground out there, more often than not players on the other team get a little upset because they think they found a gap until he makes a great play and steals a hit from them."
Justin Randall of the Sarnia Braves (submitted photo)
Justin Randall was a finalist for Most Valuable Player and was eventually named a First Team All-Ontario selection. Randall also enjoyed a very productive 2017, leading the province with 48 RBI's, finishing fifth in home runs, sixth in batting average and third in runs.
Mike Damchuk was also a First Team All-Ontario selection. It's the second time he's received the honours, but the first time as a hitter. The very dynamic Damchuk hit five home runs and 30 RBI's while also leading the province with 14 strikeouts.
Pitchers Anthony Shepherd and Nick Baljeu both received Second Team All-Ontario selections, along with infielder McKenzie Maxwell. Outfielder Alex McLean and shortstop/pitcher Wade Bubula were named to the Third Team.
Grant says the selections really show of the team's depth.
"We've arrived to the top tier of teams a bitter quicker than we thought, but now we have those guys in the fourth or fifth year of senior baseball they are really starting to put up those big numbers. We're really happy with where the program is heading," says Grant. "I think this season has gotten a lot of people excited about our program, and made Sarnia a place where people want to come and play some baseball."
The Braves can close out the Southwest Baseball League Championships tonight on the road against the Ilderton Red Army. The game has been moved from London's Labatt Part to Cardinal Field in St. Thomas.