In a league that prides itself on spanning across generations, it’s important we celebrate those who join this storied team and make an immediate on-field impact.
MVP has traditionally reserved this award for those who truly are game changers, only awarding the honors in six seasons.
ROY Winners
2012: Ryan James, SS
- No player has made Tom Loesch fan-girl quite as much as Ryan James, going as far as naming his firstborn son after him.
- The former Binghamton star turned rookie sensation was a huge catalyst in overthrowing the league’s all-time winningest club, the Dugouts.
2017: Jon Rich, 1B
- The original Brew Crew movement started with a guy just looking to throw a few back with the boys and their dads.
- Jon’s rookie campaign made him a the fan favorite that would be a driving factor in his appointment to JM down the line.
2018: Alex Bettenhauser, RF
- As the first, and only, rookie to win the batting title, Alex set the tone for what became a routine presence in the race for the club’s top hitter, and as one of its more divisive players.
2019: Kyle Baylous, 2B
- The highly debated 2019 ROY went to the defensive wizard, whose glove wowed fans across the league, reminiscent of Ozzie Smith in the new baby blues.
- Had the award existed, he’d easily have picked up yet another Gold Glove in his, already, all-time collection (3).
2021: Pat Biemer, 2B
- The explosive speedster provided MVP with defensive versatility and timely offense that extended innings.
- A legacy of Jon Biemer, Pat fit into MVP’s clubhouse, and lineup, like a son.
2022: Zach White, 1B
- The former Bullworm and Rockcat balled out his rookie year with MVP, providing much needed depth to an offense looking to replace seasoned vets in their quest to get back atop the DSSL.
2025: CJ Owens, Rover
- A dynamic big-game player whose high defensive IQ made him an ideal postseason rover, a role seemingly engineered specifically for him during MVP’s title run.
Rookie Season Records
Games: 12, Everett Wehr (2022)
At-Bats: 47, Alex Bettenhauser (2018)
Hits: 35, Alex Bettenhauser (2018)
BA: .745, Alex Bettenhauser (2018)
Doubles: 7, Everett Wehr (2022)
Triples: 4, Alex Bettenhauser (2018)
Home Runs: 9, Shane White (2018)
Runs: 19, Alex Bettenhauser (2018)
RBIs: 24, Shane White (2018)
Notable ROY Battles
2012: Ryan James & Joe Sorrentino
The soon-to-be-son-in-law of Jimmy Baylous, Ryan James joined MVP with Bryce Harper-like expectations coming off his long-awaited arrival, and he delivered. RJ won the hearts of MVP fans across the county, becoming the club’s first golden boy.
Alongside Ryan was his best friend, and possible lover, Joe “Muscles” Sorrentino. Previously SWR’s 5/6 combo, the two replicated their success under Mignano, leading MVP to its second title, with James sweeping the ROY votes.
2018: Alex Bettenhauser & Shane White
Two record-breaking rookie seasons collided between MVP icons, with Shane and Alex combining to shatter every rookie benchmark in the book: Hits, Batting Average, Runs, RBIs, Extra-Base Hits, and Home Runs. In very different ways, both rookie outfielders used their bats to lift an aging club from worst to first and carry it through its lone undefeated regular season.
Shane’s nine home runs nearly matched Wynkoop’s unofficial all-time record and stand as the benchmark in MVP’s current dead-ball era. He went on to lead the league in home runs the following two seasons, 2019 and 2021, three consecutive titles in all.
On the other side, tasked with replacing the legendary Chuck Azzara as MVP’s leadoff man, Alex endured a season far rougher around the edges than Shane’s. His competitiveness ignited the lineup and got under opponents’ skin, a winning mentality that ultimately earned him the GM role following Loesch’s retirement.
2019: Kyle Baylous & Tom Brady
The Brew Crew’s inaugural, and controversial, rookie class featured two pillars of its dynastic run: Kyle Baylous and Tom Brady. Both would ultimately play integral roles in helping MVP claim the title for the first since 2012.
Kyle’s defensive masterclass had purists swooning as the speedy phenom took home ROY honors. His consistency and team-first mentality earned him the captaincy in 2022.
Tom Brady hit an unreal .722, played defense anywhere on the field, and delivered when it mattered most: against the Bagas. Considered a ROY snub at the time, Brady would go on to produce the single greatest season any MVP hitter has ever had in his final year, 2025.
MVP Brew Crew Softball Club 