ERIE, Pa. – The Penn State Behrend baseball team announced their awards for the 2020 season as voted on by the squad.
Head Coach Paul Benim, in his 28th season, said, "2020 was a unique and abbreviated season for everyone in college baseball. Our players worked hard in February and prepared to compete in Kentucky and Florida. We were improving. Our team and coaches selected the following players to be recognized with these awards."
The Most Valuable Player is sophomore first base Josh Wagner (South Park, PA/South Park). Wagner led the team with 19 hits in 11 games. He produced six multiple-hit games and had a 10-game hitting streak to start the season. Wagner was tied for first with five doubles and was second in at-bats (43) and runs scored (7). He was tied for fourth on the team with five RBIs in the 11 games played. Coach Benim said, "Wagner was a threat every time he stepped in the box this spring."
Sophomore hurler Noah Schneider (DuBois, PA/DuBois) was named Most Improved Player. He made three appearances on the season, pitching 9.1 innings. Schneider registered a win and a save on the mound, striking out nine and only giving up five runs. "Schneider committed himself to improving immediately following last season and made great strides," said Coach Benim. "He was very effective on the hill."
The Rookie of Year award goes to Juston Jones (Moon Township, PA/Moon). The freshman outfielder and second leadoff hitter started every game for the Lions. Jones was first in runs (10) and third in hits (11). He was the only player on the team with a triple on the season. Jones smacked five RBIs, including two after going 3-for-5 in a 10-5 win over Delaware Valley over spring break. Coach Benim explains, "Jones competed in the box and put together several really solid at-bats this year. He is going to continue to grow and has the potential to become a force in the league."
Sophomore Braden Paulinellie (DuBois, PA/DuBois) earned the Herb Lauffer Leadership & Scholarship award. The shortstop and leadoff hitter led the team in RBIs (10) and at-bats (45), while tying for first in doubles (5). Paulinellie was second in hits with 15 and had a hit in all but one game this season, ending on an eight-game streak. Coach Benim says, "Paulinellie returned after missing last year because of an injury and made good things happen right away. He anchored our team in the middle and put together a strong performance over this quick season."
The Most Valuable Pitcher award went to sophomores Jacob Lindow (Bridgeville, PA/Chartiers Valley) and Thomas Zbezinski (Gibsonia, PA/Pine Richland). These two combined to start five games this spring and notch 35 strikeouts over 28 innings pitched. "Lindow and Zbezinski work extremely hard at their craft," said Coach Benim. "They competed between the lines and will be leaned upon entering next spring to lead the staff."
Sophomore second base Zack Bowen (Pittsburgh, PA/Serra Catholic) was voted the Golden Glove award winner. Bowen made only one error over 47 chances while starting 11 games at second base for the blue and white. Coach Benim said, "Bowen has quite the ability to make hard things look simple. He picked up team up several times with the glove down south."
Junior outfielder Dom Charletta (West Newton, PA/Yough) earned the Hustle & Spirit award. Coach Benim said, "Charletta locked it in every day. He prepares like a champion. He leads by example and we are looking forward to his leadership this fall as a senior."
The AMCC Sportsmanship award goes to Jake Deitz (Erie, PA/McDowell). "Deitz really respects the game," said Coach Benim. "He does an excellent job of preparing and playing it the right way. His teammates took note and recognized him for this award."
"The current situation challenges athletes across all sports and all levels to find ways to get better," said Coach Benim. "Most do not realize the sacrifice and commitment required to achieve high-level athletic goals. The roots to success can be found in a few fundamental disciplines practiced day after day. We will be eager to see where our players are this fall. The Behrend Lions will pick back up in September during the fall season and begin the spring season at Emory & Henry in February of 2021."
