For Esquival, whose team went 16-13 overall and 6-6 to tie for third in league, Morrow’s selection was a no-brainer.
“He was our leader,” Esquival said. “He was our team MVP. He did a phenomenal job as our leadoff hitter.”
Morrow, who hit .410 in league play, hit .411 overall with 33 hits, a .547 on-base percentage, 31 runs, 16 walks and stole 16 bases. In addition, he was also a stellar center fielder, with his speed allowing him to cover a lot of ground. Indeed, he will be sorely missed next season.
“He just put in a ton of work, it obviously showed,” Esquival said. “I think that’s gonna be our toughest void to fill. He ran down some balls out there, he’s got a plus arm.”
After Morrow, however, the remaining three St. Francis all-leaguers are underclassmen that lend credence to St. Francis’ lofty aspirations for a season from now.
Saatzer, who played designated hitter, first base and outfield, just flat out hit during his junior campaign. He hit .500 in league and .497 for the season with 37 hits and a .527 on-base percentage, scoring 28 runs and driving in 21. He also drew 10 walks and stole seven bases with 16 doubles.
It was a season that Esquival saw coming early on.
“I thought, ‘This kid might have a special year,’ and sure enough,” said the second-year coach. “He put up some big-time numbers. He was another one that worked hard. He got stronger.”
Bonds was a pleasant surprise in right field and batting clean-up for a large part of the year.
“I don’t want to say it was a big surprise cause we knew he was good ... but any time you have a sophomore do what he did it’s a little startling,” Esquival said.
