Kraft and Walsh Take Home Top Honors for 2022

At the conclusion of each MINK League season, league owners, GMs, and managers vote on league awards. In recognition of their outstanding achievements this year, the Pitcher of the Year and Player of the Year both hail from the Clarinda A's ballclub.

The MINK League Pitcher of the Year is Brian Kraft. Brian had a 2.82 ERA on the year, along with 67 strikeouts. Opposing hitters only fared a .172 batting average against him. Kraft had previously been honored as the MINK League Pitcher of the Week. Kraft plays at the Academy of Art University. 

The MINK League Player of the Year is Will Walsh. Will hit .331 on the year, along with 21 doubles, 7 home runs, and 48 RBIs. Walsh has previously been honored with MINK League Player of the Week, and also provided fireworks in the MINK League All-Star Game with a home run during the game. Walsh plays at the University of Nebraska.

“There are a number of great players across the MINK League,” said MINK League Commissioner Ron Rodriguez. “Part of the joy each summer is watching these players come together, become a part of the local community, but to also see their hard work pay off on the field. A number of MINK League players have gone to professional careers, whether that's in independent leagues or MLB or elsewhere. Both Brian and Will had a great summer in Clarinda, and it’s our honor to recognize them.”

Previously, Mark Rains, Joplin Outlaws, was selected as the Jeff Post GM of the Year, while Craig “Boomer” McAndrews won the Bob Steinkamp Manager of the Year. The league has also voted on the MINK League Player and Pitcher of the year- and both came from the same team, the Clarinda A’s.

For more information on the league, please visit www.minkleaguebaseball.com