Announcement
“Austin Blaski personifies the type of player that makes coaching American Legion Baseball fun and rewarding. He worked hard, never missed a game all season, and he never complained.” Fighting 63rd Head Coach Gene Stechschulte.Jr
Ottawa Legion Baseball has announced that Austin Blaski has earned the "Go The Distance Award." In 2001 Ottawa Legion Baseball established the award to "recognize outstanding individual achievement on the field -- and also leadership through exceptional commitment to the team, and winning." Blaski is a 2008 graduate of Pandora-Gilboa High School and is beginning his second year attending Marietta College where he plays baseball.
This award is not handed out annually, but only when it is apparent that a player has Gone The Distance -- above and beyond the call, in his commitment, loyalty, and demeanor -- on and off the field of play. Past winners include Todd Schumaker and Tony Ball in 2001, Marty Baird in 2005, and Ross Guisinger in 2007.
In 41 games this summer Blaski hit .406 and led the team with 15 stolen bases and 6 homeruns. Austin also had the most doubles and triples, and drove in an amazing 48 runs – the most by a Post 63 player in at least 15 years. On the mound he was 5-3 with an ERA of 2.71. Blaski struck out 64 batters in 49 innings of work.
Blaski received the award at the annual Ottawa Legion Baseball picnic prior to the District All-Star game at Memorial Field. Head Coach Gene Stechschulte, Jr praised Blaski for his commitment and demeanor. “Austin Blaski personifies the type of player that makes coaching American Legion Baseball fun and rewarding. He worked hard, never missed a game all season, and he never complained.”
