Kansas City’s Ban Johnson Collegiate Baseball League announces 2025 honors

Awards and celebration took center stage Monday as the Ban Johnson Collegiate Baseball League convened to present annual honors to top players and teams at the Overland Park Marriott.

Founded in 1927, the Ban Johnson league features KC-area baseball players spread across 12 teams. The collegiate athletes spend their summers playing at the Creekside Baseball Complex in Parkville.

There’s also the annual Ban Johnson All-Star Game, hosted by the Royals at Kauffman Stadium.

Among the notable league alumni who have gone on to play Major League Baseball are David Cone, Rick Sutcliffe and Frank White.

Here are this year’s award winners:

MVP and Offensive Player of Year

Joe Hall, BJ Raiders outfielder, was honored as the 2025 Lester Milgram Most Valuable Player and Bob Allison Offensive Player of the Year.

He finished best in the league with a .825 SLUG and 1.375 OPS and seven home runs. His .438 batting average and 29 RBI were second best in the league.

According to manager Jeff Williams, “Joe had a phenomenal summer and was a great leader for us all season. He also played great defense all summer with just one error.”

The 2024 Liberty North High graduate attended Adams State in Colorado and currently attends Southeast Missouri State.

And the Hustle Award goes to ...

Jack Kiser, Regal Plastic 1B/2B, received the 2025 Hustle Award.

Kiser slashed .379/.557/.439. His on-base percentage was fourth best in the league. According to his manager, Clint Culbertson, “Teammates nicknamed him ‘Glue’ because he kept us together. Whenever we needed a big hit, big play in the field or just some motivation, we could count on Jack.”

Kiser is a 2021 graduate of Park Hill High and a 2025 graduate of Newman University. He is attending graduate school at Tabor College.

Rick Sutcliffe Pitcher of the Year

RHP Hunter Mitchell, Regal Plastic ace pitcher, received the 2025 Rick Sutcliffe Pitcher of the Year award.

He tied for the best record with a 5-0 mark and most wins. His 1.44 WHIP and .248 opponent batting average were second best in the league and his 1.31 ERA ranked fifth.

Noted Culbertson, “Hunter competed every start. He never panicked — he just continued to attack the strike zone and get guys out. You just knew you had a chance to win when he started.”

The 2024 Richmond High graduate attends Pratt Community College.

Defensive Player of the Year

Chester Brooks, Regal Plastic shortstop, earned the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year award.

He had only three errors in 86 total chances for a 0.965 fielding percentage. Said Culbertson, “He was Mr. Reliable. Chester made outs and made difficult plays look routine.”

The 2022 Smithville High graduate attends Northwest Missouri State University.

Regal Plastic receives championship trophy

Regal Plastic received the league championship trophy.

This was Regal’s first title since 2017 and Culbertson’s first league title in 12 years in the BJCL.

Hall of Fame welcomes new inductee

Steve Jagoda became the 50th inductee into the Ban Johnson Hall of Fame.

Jagoda’s company has sponsored the NKC Apartments Giants and he has served on the league’s board of directors for 30 years.

Two teams honored for longevity

The league recognized the NKC Apartments Giants and the BJ Raiders for 30 years in the league.

Raiders sponsor David Cone pitched for Boyle’s Corned Beef in 1978-81 under manager Pat Nolan. In 1981, Cone was selected by the KC Royals in the third round of the MLB Draft and went on to enjoy an illustrious 17-year MLB career.

When Boyle’s stopped sponsoring the team in 1996, Cone promised Nolan that he would take over that sponsorship. And he did.