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Finalists top individual awards
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Posted on Aug 03 2004
After a 2004 Saipan Major League season that was highlighted by smart pitching and big hitting, it was time for the organizers to acknowledge the top performers for all of their accomplishments.
The title of batting champion belongs to Tony Celis of the Miller Lite Brewers who compiled a .560 batting average in 50 appearances at the plate. When you can hit that well, you are bound to score, and nobody did that more than the 23 times Celis crossed the plate.
Being so important to the Brewers’ offense, the league officials also named him as the 2004 SML regular season’s most valuable player. Their offense was recognized again as first baseman Tony Camacho hit the most runs batted in with 20 for the Brew crew, while slugger Bruce Norita of the blue and gold and Robert Bansil of the Yankees tied for the most homeruns.
The accolades didn’t stop there for the Brewers players as shortstop Jester Garcia was named as Infielder of the Year as well as the MVP of the Playoffs. The defense was mentioned again when the rocket Roy Celis was named as the Pitcher of the Year, in part due to his league high 38 strikeouts.
The Celis family was once again recognized as Rocky Celis was tabbed coach of the year for the second time in three years for his efforts in leading the Brewers to a pennant runner-up regular season finish.
Manager of the Year Tino Camacho of the Yankees was awarded for leading his team to win the pennant, while Bansil found himself returning for two more trophies. The Yankee standout was recognized for leading the league in doubles (8) and as Catcher of the Year.
The pinstripers had two more awardees as centerfielder Clifton Silil finished the season with the most triples (5) and pitcher Chris Camacho lead all hurlers with the lowest earned run average at a miniscule1.89.
Rookie of the Year honors went to BJ Sablan of the D-9ers while the third place Pirates were represented by Outfielder of the Year Mario Sablan.
With so many of the standout players on the rosters of the Yankees and Brewers, it’s no wonder that the two met for the finals.
