WSL Announces 2019 Major Award Winners

The Wisconsin State Baseball League has revealed the recipients of the WSL Most Valuable Player, WSL Most Valuable Pitcher, WSL Rookie Player of the Year, WSL Rookie Pitcher of the Year and WSL Manager of the Year awards for the 2019 season. Winners were determined by a vote of League general managers and personnel.

WSL Most Valuable Player: Dylan Gilbert, Lombard Orioles

WSL Most Valuable Pitcher: Ben Ellifson, West Allis Nationals

WSL Rookie Pitcher of the Year: Ben Ellifson, West Allis Nationals

WSL Rookie Player of the Year: Tyrese Mitchell, West Allis Nationals

WSL Manager of the Year: Steve Elliott, West Allis Nationals

Gilbert (University of Illinois – Springfield) is the third Oriole in a row to be named the League’s Most Valuable Player. Gilbert just beat out Rookie Player of the Year, Mitchell, in the voting. Gilbert hit .418 with 16 extra-base hits, including three home runs, in 25 games for the Orioles. 

Ellifson (Carroll University), was named Most Valuable Pitcher and Rookie Pitcher of the Year. Ellifson appeared in nine games, starting all nine. He pitched 34.2 innings with a 0.78 ERA and 29 strikeouts, going 5-0.

Mitchell (Ellsworth CC), was named Rookie Player of the Year after having an MVP caliber season. Mitchell hit .385 for the Nats, with two doubles, a triple and two home runs in 109 at-bats in his rookie season, scoring 33 runs in 27 games played. He finished second in MVP voting.

Elliott nabs his first WSL Manager of the Year honor, after guiding the Nationals to a 20-10 record, good for a second-place finish in the Wisconsin State League.

Photo by: Steve Schultz Photography