Kansas City’s Ban Johnson baseball league announces 2021 awards, plus other honors
The Ban Johnson Collegiate Baseball League honored its best and brightest at an annual awards banquet held Tuesday night at the Marriott Overland Park hotel.
Founded in 1927, the Ban Johnson Baseball league features area college players on nine teams that play throughout the Kansas City area.
A highlight of each season is the annual All-Star Game hosted by the Royals at Kauffman Stadium. David Cone, Rick Sutcliffe and Frank White are among the Ban Johnson alums that progressed to outstanding pro careers.
Here’s the rundown of this year’s award winners:
Josh Patrick, Ban Johnson Legends infielder, Lester Milgram MVP: Also the 2021 Bob Allison Offensive Player of the Year, Patrick finished with a .469 average, five home runs and 31 RBIs to capture the triple crown. He also had a league-leading 1.000 slugging percentage and 1.531 OPS.
Said his coach, Adam Clay: “Josh was the MVP because of his leadership and the way he plays the game. He was a strong offensive player because of his ability of pitch selection. He waited for his pitch and then made the most of it.”
The Truman High graduate attends Crowder College and has committed to UNC Charlotte.
Trever Guzzo, Creche Innovations Stars outfielder, Hustle Award: According to manager Kyle Clifton, “He showed up every day and wanted to start every game. He always offered and was willing to do what the team needed to be successful.” The Park Hill High product attends Park University.
Luqman Ali, Milgram Mustangs LHP, Rick Sutcliffe Pitcher of the Year: He finished with a 4-0 record, was second in the league with a 1.17 WHIP and third-best in the league with a .184 opposing batting average. “He gets on the hill and throw strikes,” said manager Kevin Shaw. “He is a team builder, encouraging the whole team.” The Raytown High grad attended Pratt Community College.
Joe Daneff, Creche Innovations Stars shortstop, Frank White Award for Fielding Excellence: Manager Kyle Clifton noted, “He was our most crucial defender this year with multiple double plays and diving plays to take away runs.” The Park Hill High graduate attends Dodge City Community College and has committed to Emporia State University.
BJ Raiders, managed by Jake Bradshaw, a repeat league champion: The Raiders become one of only 11 teams inducted into the Ban Johnson Hall of Fame, which honors clubs with two or more consecutive championships.
Neil Harwell, 45th inductee into the Ban Johnson Hall of Fame: A two-time all-star for the Milgram team from 1977-80 and member of the 1980 championship team, Harwell also has emceed the league’s major events. His career in sports management and broadcasting includes stints as Time Warner Cable VP/GM for advertising sales, co-founder/GM of Metro Sports, VP/GM of the Royals Sports Television Network; co-founder/principal partner of Niles Media Group and GM at LTN Niles Media Division.
He has broadcast play-by-play for baseball, basketball and football, including UMKC basketball and the MIAA network.