It has been decided by the Voters of the Valley Baseball League that Micah Morgan of the Harrisonburg Turks and South Alabama University is the 2023 South Most Valuable Player. Micah had an unbelievable season for the Turks in 2023. Micah was near the top in a multitude of offensive categories in ’23. He played in 43 out of 44 regular season games for the Turks and was Tied for 1st in RBIs (42), 2nd in Hits (56), T-1st in At-Bats (157).
Morgan led the Turks to 28-16 record during the regular season which was tied for 1st with the Charlottesville TomSox. Turks President Gerald “Buck” Harman says, “Micah did a lot for the Turks this summer. He is an excellent player, that can play three positions. Not only does he excel at the plate, [he] is a very good defensive player.” Though Micah didn’t make the All-Defensive Team in the Valley this summer he was the only player to receive multiple votes for two different positions–1st Base and the Outfield.
While it is apparent that Morgan is an excellent baseball player, what stands out is his leadership and demeanor off the field. Harmon praised Micah and his interactions with the community, “Our Fans really like him as a person. He always takes the time to talk to everyone.” It is very important that the young men who come to the Valley understand that without the support of the local communities, VBL baseball wouldn’t exist. It is guys like Morgan that make the VBL a special place for all in our communities.
Congratulations to Micah Morgan for being the South Most Valuable Player for 2023!
On the bump, the winner of the VBL’s South Pitcher of the Year had a season that cannot be described as anything but absolutely dominate. It is with great honor that the VBL bestows the 2023 South Pitcher of the Year Award to Mark Perkins of the Charlottesville TomSox and Rice University. Mark has been the best pitcher in the VBL from the beginning to the end of the regular season. Though his ERA of 0.58 didn’t qualify for the league leaders due to not meeting the innings requirements, it is clearly evident that he had a season for the ages. Of his 8 games Pitched, he only surrendered two earned runs. Both coming in the same game vs the Front Royal Cardinals. It was his steady performance that was key to his success. Head Coach of the TomSox, Lyndon Colman had this to say, “Mark Perkins has been extremely dependable and reliable…He is one of the kids that has wanted to be here the entire summer. He [has] wanted to pitch and he has proven himself [so] that when he goes back to Rice, he is going to be one of their best arms.” That is mightily high praise for Perkins from his Coach, and he absolutely deserves it. Perkins pitched 31 innings for the TomSox and struck out 40 opposing hitters, good for a 11.61 K/9. Another aspect that contributed to his dominance was his ability to limit free passes. In his 31 innings, Perkins only allowed 6 walks, good for a 1.7 BB/9; his WHIP was a miniscule 0.50 as well.
When asked about what it meant to him to be named VBL South Pitcher of the Year, Mark said, “It feels great, I have had great defense [behind me] the entire season, that has helped a ton. We have a great staff…and it has been a blast. It has been fun to reach my potential and show it on the field.”
Congratulations to Mark Perkins on being the South Pitcher of the Year for 2023!
Both Perkins and Morgan are currently playing for their respective clubs in Round 2 of the Playoffs. So, tune in to watch their teams look to win the coveted Lineweaver Cup!