The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

CO-MOST VALUABLE PLAYER:

Kody Smith LC-M

Forrest Zoch Bridge City

OFFENSIVE MVP:

Mitchel Hubbard Bridge City

DEFENSIVE MVP:

Matt Menard Bridge City

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR:

Bryce Sampere Bridge City

COACH OF THE YEAR:

Chad Landry Bridge City

FIRST TEAM

Pitchers: Zane Anderson, WO-S; Jacob Lemoine, BC; Reid Fults, LC-M

1B: Dylan Mulhollan BC

2B: Jonathon DeRamus OF

SS: Ryan Waddell LC-M

3B: Hunter Hagler Vidor

OF: Hunter Gonzales, LC-M; Cameron Dishon, BC; Zach Drouillard, LC-M

C: Quinton Evans OF

DH: James Swan, LC-M

Utility Player: Austin Scales, OF

SECOND TEAM

Pitchers: Westin Crain, OF; Hayden Guidry, BC; Bubba Maxwell, Vidor

1B: Luke Domas WO-S

2B: Scott Vaughn LC-M

SS: Zach Smith BC

3B: Jonathan Allen LC-M

OF: Jacob Brown, Of; Brandon Simoneaux, BC; Ryan Carline, LC-M

C: Jordan Darnall WO-S

DH: Jacoy Finney WO-S

Utility Player: Parker James, OF

HONORABLE MENTION

Preston Pittman, BC; Matt Peno, Vidor; Alex Blem, LC-M; Jake Best, OF; Cash McCarson, WO-S; Kevin Adams, LC-M; Luke Johnson, OF; Darius Mitchell, WO-S; Braxton Smith, OF; Chaz York, WO-S; Joe Mojica, Vidor.

MAKING OF THE ALL-ORANGE COUNTY TEAM

In 2011 three of our five Orange County teams made it to the state playoffs. Not only does 20-4A and 21-3A always play in one of the toughest districts, but it has proven time after time that both districts are part of the strongest regions in the state.

Starting with early season scrimmages, tournaments and pre-district games, the teams prepared for battle on the field. The Record ?Hometown Highlights? captured many great moments that made this season extraordinary and memorable. The Record newspapers and therecordlive.com shared the moments throughout the season.

In support of our Orange County baseball programs, we are honored to announce The Record 2011 All-Orange County Baseball Team. The selections in no way minimize the individual contributions of every Orange County baseball player that stepped between the lines in 2011. Orange County?s players made this another great season. They all should be commended for their contributions to representing Orange County in an outstanding season of baseball.

The LC-M Bears and the Vidor Pirates placed third and fourth in the always tough 20-4a district. The Pirates were beaten by Goose Creek Memorial in a three game series 2-10, 5-4, and 4-7. The LC-M Bears beat Baytown Lee in a one game winner take all 2-0, but lost a three game series against Montgomery 10-8, 1-3, and 6-10.

The Bridge City Cardinals had a first round bye, and then they beat Smithville in a three game series 5-7, 5-3, 10-2. The Cardinals then swept Giddings in a best of three 8-3, 4-1, before being swept by Robinson in the Regional Semi-finals 1-8, 12-13.

As for our top nominees, the Record picked LC-M's Kody Smith and Bridge City's Forrest Zoch as Co-MVP, with Bridge City taking the offensive, defensive, and new comer of the year. MVP was a tough choice and that is why the Record came up with Co-MVP. What Kody Smith and Forrest Zoch represent to their teams is not hard to see. Both players played a huge role in why their teams made the playoffs. Take them off the team, and it would have been a different story.

Mitchel Hubbard of Bridge City takes the offensive player of the year. With his batting average, speed and threat to go deep at any time makes the opposing pitchers and coaches think about how to pitch to him. Hubbard along with Zoch led Orange County in the long ball category with nine home runs.

Matt Menard of Bridge City was selected as the defense player of the year.

Behind the plate there is no one better in the area. His blocking skills, throwing ability and the way he works with his pitching staff, plus his work ethic make him a thorn in the side for all opposing teams.

Bryce Sampere of Bridge City was selected as the new comer of the year. Sampere stepped in as a sophomore and proved early that he is a main stay in the Cardinal line up. Sampere took over at second base and made several key defensive plays, but the main thing that got coaches and teams' attention was the way he came in and hit the baseball. The kid can flat out hit.

Orange County?s baseball teams are blessed to have five top notch coaches. What is incredible about our Orange County coaches is the knowledge they have for the game. They all have different styles, which is fun to watch and they all bring out the best in their team.

This year?s Coach of the Year honor goes to Bridge City's Chad Landry. Coach Landry has been at Bridge City for three years. Each year the Cardinals have reached the Regional Semi-Final round. As we know Coach Landry is proud of his teams, but he is not satisfied. Most teams and coaches would love to have this accomplishment on their resume. With a district championship, a trip to the regional semi- final and an overall record of 21-12-1, makes Coach Landry an easy choice for Coach of the Year.

I would like to take this time to thank all Orange County coaches, players, fans, and schools for an exciting baseball season. It is a true blessing to be able to go anywhere in the area and find a good game. Orange County?'s baseball talent is unbelievable. So a ?BIG THANKS!!!? and hope to see you next year.

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