Tyler Vanneste follows through after making contact at the plate during the Mavericks home opener of the 2025 season. File Photo/CHAT News

By Jesse Gill

SPORTS

Medicine Hat Mavericks name award winners for 2025 season

Sep 9, 2025 | 12:40 PM

The Medicine Hat Mavericks have named their award winners for the 2025 season.

LEADERSHIP AWARD

The team also created a new award named after one of its veteran players.

Tyler Vanneste won the inaugural leadership award, which will carry his name going forward.

The team said it is in recognition of his outstanding character, dedication, and leadership both on and off the field.

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Mavs owner and general manager Greg Morrison said in a statement that Vanneste’s leadership has made an impact in their organization and community.

“He exemplified values as a player and teammate that the Mavericks feel are important,” Morrison said.

“We have been lucky to have him lead our team for several summers.”

MVP

Vanneste was also named the most valuable player on the Mavs.

During his third and final season with the team he had a .346 batting average, 7 home runs, and 36 RBIs.

The Mavs said that his talent didn’t go unnoticed, as he was selected for the All-Star game and earned a spot in the Home Run Derby, showcasing his power and presence at the plate.

The team adds that his leadership, with an ability to inspire, lead by example, and keep the team focused through every moment set him apart as a true leader.

Vanneste ranks in the top 5 for career hits and RBIs with the Mavs, and in the top 3 for runs scored.

TOP PITCHER

Other award winners included Luis Diaz who won the top pitcher award.

The Mavs said Diaz was nothing short of outstanding, consistently delivered when it mattered most, logging 55 innings pitched and tying for the team lead with 49 strikeouts.

TOP CANADIAN

The top Canadian player went to rookie infielder Carter Roth.

A statement from the Mavs said Roth from Stratford, Ont. made an immediate and powerful impact on the field quickly became a key contributor to the team’s success.

Roth led the team in both batting average at .380 and RBIs with 54.

Roth had also earned a spot in the WCBL All-Star Game.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

Pitcher Danny Retzlaff won rookie of the year honours.

With 40 innings pitched Retzlaff started 9 of the 10 games he played. He had a team tied for the team lead with 49 strikeouts.

The Mavs said Retzlaff’s hard work, determination, and consistent contributions were key to the team success this season, and they can’t wait to see what he’ll accomplish in the years to come.

UNSUNG HERO AWARD

Jeremy Freeman Jr. is the winner of the unsung hero award.

He had a .346 batting average, with 43 RBIs and 17 doubles.

The centre fielder was dominant according to the Mavs, with them saying he establishing a true “no-fly zone” making several highlight-worthy catches that kept the team in games and energized the team.