BASEBALL ARM CARE AND VELOCITY DEVELOPMENT CLINIC
DECEMBER 9TH, 2009
ENROLL HERE

GREATER CHARLOTTE AREA HOT STOVE LEAGUE AWARD WINNERS NAMED

The 1st Annual Greater Charlotte Hot Stove League Dinner came to a close with the presentation of the youth and high school baseball and softball Player of the Year Awards.  With over 100 nominations in hand, a committee of area coaches, scouts and observers selected two finalists and the winner for each award. 

Chase Arnold, a seventh grader at Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School was named the winner of the Youth Baseball Player of the Year award.  Chase plays for the Charlotte Megastars. He led his team in nearly every offensive category this season, hitting 15 home runs and recording a slugging percentage of .961.

Brett Austin, a ninth grade catcher at Providence High School was also a finalist for the award.

Erin Kayton, a ninth grader at Marvin Ridge High School was named the Youth Softball Player of the Year.   Erin plays catcher for the Carolina Cardinals. She is a very strong hitter and led her 12U team to an NSA World Series Championship in 2006 while batting .504. On the defensive side, she did not allow a single stolen base last season at Weddington Middle School.

Alexis Davis, an eighth grader at Porter Ridge Middle School was also a finalist for the award.

Richie Shaffer, a junior at Providence High School was named the winner of the High School Baseball Player of the Year. Over the summer, Richie, an all-state player, earned a position on the 2007 USA Baseball Youth National Team and traveled to Venezuela to lead the USA to a gold medal in the IBAF World Youth Championships.

Tyler Pilkington, a Weddington High School Senior and future UNC Charlotte baseball player was also a finalist for the award.

Constance Orr, a senior at Butler was named the High School Softball Player of the Year.  Constance is a strong hitter and pitcher for the Bulldogs. She is a key member of the Lady Blues Club team and helped the team qualify for the National Championship in College Station, TX last August. Constance will play for UNC – Chapel Hill next season.

Kalie Lang, a Junior at Ardrey Kell High School was also a finalist for the award.

Each finalist was recognized with a video from AFL Films displaying many photos from their playing careers.

Olympic High School Coach Bob Rhodes was honored with a Contributions to the Game of Baseball Award for his many years of service to the community.

Luke Lawson, a fifth grader at Endhaven Elementary was named the winner of the South Charlotte Sports Report Essay Contest.

On hand to participate in the special evening were former major league manager Grady Little, two-time all star Ray Durham from the San Francisco Giants and local rising stars, Ryan Morris and David Mailman among others.

A silent auction of sports memorabilia and gifts was held to raise money for the Hot Stove League’s charity partner, The Miracle League. 

The sold-out event was a great success and plans are in motion for the 2nd Annual Greater Charlotte Hot Stove League Dinner.