Cody Laweryson of Valley and Ryan Sinclair of Hall-Dale are among nine statewide finalists for the John Winkin Award, also know as Maine’s Mr. Baseball, which is given annually to the top senior player in Maine.
The winner will be announced at the Maine Baseball Coaches Association’s senior all-star games, scheduled for June 24 at Colby College.
Laweryson, a shortstop/pitcher, struck out 16 while pitching a complete game two-hitter in Valley’s 4-1 win over Richmond in a Class D South semifinal Friday. This fall, he will attend the University of Maine on a baseball scholarship.
The 6-foot-4 righthander has not allowed an earned run or a walk in 35 innings this season. In nine appearances, he has compiled a 4-0 record with three saves, allowing six hits while striking out 85.
At the plate, he is hitting .500 (21-for-42) in 16 games, with 19 walks, one home run, 20 RBIs and 29 runs scored. He has 10 doubles, a triple and is 11-for-11 in stolen bases. He was named the player of the year in the East/West Conference.
Laweryson, who led Valley to the Class D state basketball title last winter, found out he was named a finalist a couple of hours before taking the mound against Richmond. While he said he was honored to be selected, his focus is on helping the Cavaliers win their first regional title in school history, which they could do next Wednesday.
“It feels good,” he said after the game. “I didn’t really think about it. I was just worried about today. I just come out and play baseball. I don’t worry about anything else.”
“That was a big thing for us today, too,” said his father and coach, Scott Laweryson. “I’m pretty psyched about that. When it comes to the accolades and awards and stuff, he likes them but he doesn’t get cranked up. He’d rather go out here and play another game right now.”
Sinclair, also a shortstop/pitcher, was named the Mountain Valley Conference player of the year while leading the Bulldogs to a 13-5 record and the Class C South quarterfinals, where they lost to St. Dominic on Thursday, 3-2.
Last season, Sinclair suffered a freak knee injury while fielding a ground ball during practice, shattering his right kneecap.
He was confined to a wheelchair for about two months and underwent two operations before beginning physical therapy in late July. He returned in time for soccer season, helping the Bulldogs reach the Class C South semifinals.
Sinclair, who could not be reached for comment Friday night, will attend Holy Cross in the fall.
The other finalists are: Trevor Delaite of Bangor; Ben Lambert of Thornton Academy; Nick Mazurek of Oceanside; Nick Guerette of Hermon; Connor Aube of Falmouth; Roderick Maynard of Sacopee Valley; and Thomas Spencer of Penobscot Valley.
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