University Baseball Squad
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captain of the 2005 baseball team following a players' vote at the squad's
year-end banquet on Tuesday night. Sophomore Alec Smith (Turlock,
Calif.) and freshman Marc Sawyer (Largo, Fla.) were named co-MVPs of
the 2004 season, while freshman Justin Ankney (Ft. Myers, Fla.),
sophomore Zac Bradley (Alexander, Ark.), sophomore Eric Rasmussen
(Brewster, Mass.) senior Doug Shimokawa (Aiea, Hawaii), along with
Orrico and Sawyer, were also honored with other individual awards.
Orrico also received the Paul Sortal Award which is given to the Yale player
who maximizes his ability to the fullest. A left fielder, Orrico started in 37 of
39 games, hit .275 with 15 RBI and tied for the team lead with 12 walks
this season.
Smith and Sawyer were bestowed the G.H. Walker, Jr. '27 Award as the
team's most valuable players. Smith finished the season leading the Ivy
League with a 3.17 ERA, a team-best six wins and five complete games.
Sawyer lead the team with a .355 average, hit four homers, drove in 25
runs, accumulated 67 total bases and was named Ivy League Rookie of
the Week on Apr. 20.
Bradley won the Coach's Award, given to the player that personifies Yale
baseball in his desire for the team's success and unity. Bradley, who
made a game-winning steal of home to defeat defending Ivy champion
Princeton, saw time in 19 games, started seven and made two
appearances on the mound which included two scoreless innings at
Fairfield. Ankney, along with Sawyer, won the David M. Darst '69 Hustle
Cup, which is awarded to the freshman player(s) who has made the
greatest contribution to the baseball team through desire, enthusiasm
and hustle. Ankney, who started at second base in every game this
season, led the team in runs scored (34), hits (51), total bases (79),
doubles (14) and hit .321.
Rasmussen was given the Burnat-Grass Teammate Award, which was
established last season and is presented to the player who exemplifies
the qualities of toughness, hard work, character and integrity, while putting
the team above himself. A catcher, Rasmussen caught nearly every inning
of every game, produced 13 RBI and posted .983 fielding percentage.
The Raymond W. (Ducky) Pond '25 Pitching Award went to Shimokawa
and is given each year to the hurler who has made the greatest
contribution to the baseball team during his career at Yale and who best
illustrates the qualities and excellence of "Ducky" Pond. Shimokawa
appeared in 12 games this season and 57 in his career which ranks
among the all-time leaders at Yale.
Five seniors were also recognized for their contributions to the program -
Team captain Randy Leonard (Pembroke Pines, Fla.), Kyle Misenti (Palm
Harbor, Fla.), Shimokawa, Chris Young (Scarsdale, N.Y.) and team
manager Kyle Cousin (Philadelphia, Pa.).
