Based solely on an individual single season.
"Elite Softball Player" generally refers to a player with exceptional skill and physical attributes.
Pitcher 2013 Ralph Lozano
.629 Avg /.657 OBP /1.898 OPS, 56 HR, 202 RBI, 81 games . . .
As magical as the 2015 All-City team was, my personal favorite team from the past 25 years is the 2014 WHAT? Club.. The offense was beyond belief in 2014, though they fell short down the stretch, and that obviously sucked, but they were fun.. When Ralph Lozano was playing, he was incredible at the plate.. The combination of Lozano in the heart of the order with the supporting cast he had around him, made my heart flutter.. Chris Minor was quite good, and I thought long and hard about putting him here.. His best season during the allotted time frame was his 07 season.. On some level, it’s pretty dumb leaving him off this list.
RUNNER UP: 2007 Chris Minor
.601 Avg /.639 OBP /1.808 OPS, 19 HR, 93 RBI, 40 games . . .
First Base 2014 Andrew Formica
.647 Avg /.674 OBP /1.926 OPS, 48 HR, 200 RBI, 87 games . . .
Indeed, throughout club history, there have been numerous elite first basemen who have graced the game with their exceptional skills and talent.. Clark Collins and Andrew Formica have been by far and away the better players during their respective tenure with their squads.. And as much as I love Jake Economos, the real tough decision here was whether to use an offensive production guy, a "one-year wonder dude" or the one exceptional athlete with his unwavering to play hard all the time.. Well, I guess we’re going with the "One-year Wonder" of Andrew Formica who single exceptional season become his defining characteristic.
RUNNER UP: 2013 Clark Collins
.635 Avg /.675 OBP /1.828 OPS, 25 HR, 100 RBI, 56 games . . .
Second Base 2019 Drake Larriuz
.663 Avg /.679 OBP /1.852 OPS, 18 HR, 86 RBI, 47 games . . .
At first glance, I’m thinking go defense because we got offense everywhere else.. Well, time is a flat circle and we’re still looking for that magic combination of both worlds.. Needless to say, this position has not been one of strength for the team through history.. So overall, if you want offense then go with the high on-base percentage the likes of Drake Larriuz, who’s effectiveness at reaching base, not just through base hits but speed too.. If you want defense then go with the smooth fielding Evan Berliner, who excels at making routine plays look effortless through efficient footwork, soft hands, and quick transitions.. Hmmm’
RUNNER UP: 2014 Evan Berliner
.643 Avg /.672 OBP /1.493 OPS, 4 HR, 47 RBI, 32 games . . .
Shortstop 2014 Jeffrey Johnson
.612 Avg /.645 OBP /1.854 OPS, 20 HR, 84 RBI, 36 games . . .
WHAT? Sftbll has had a rich history and some pretty good and fan-favorite shortstops to root for these past 25 years.. Between guys like Brad Jensen, Nathan DeRohan, Matt Mitchell and Danny Morales, were all incredible at the plate.. However, none of them have been able to hold a candle to the charisma and hit ability that Jeffrey Johnson brought to his club with highlights that were extraordinary in multiple aspects to his game.. Though, technically, Danny Morales did lead his club to an All-City Championship.. A reflection of the unique skills he delivered and the recognition he deserves, is worth mentioning here.
RUNNER UP: 2017 Danny Morales
.611 Avg /.652 OBP /1.464 OPS, 15 HR, 57 RBI, 21 games . . .
Third Base 2018 Ryan Siembal
.640 Avg /.686 OBP /1.934 OPS, 28 HR, 157 RBI, 74 games . . .
It’s pretty funny how the vocal opponents of Ross Jensen love to trash his contribution to his club when he clearly would have made this list if it weren’t for Ryan Siembal’s 2018 campaign.. Though, people will argue that Siembal 018’ season wasn’t as good or better than his 2019 campaign, is one thing, but his 2.1 BI/G in 2018 was lightyears ahead of anyone else on the WHAT? Club has thrown at third base.. In theory, Kevin Colburn was a great candidate as well.. His offense production was the greatest stats in team history for the amount of games he played in.
RUNNER UP: 2014 Kevin Colburn
.712 Avg /.730 OBP /2.278 OPS, 16 HR, 58 RBI, 19 games . . .
Left Field 2014 Jimmy Brando
.692 Avg /.713 OBP /1.899 OPS, 23 HR, 120 RBI, 58 games . . .
The winner of left field supremacy is from the battle of the generations, Jimmy Brando vs. Rick Garza.. In terms of extra base-hats, 2014 Jimmy Brando wins this hands down.. His 2.9 H/G destroys Rick Garza 2.2.. However, in terms of roster construction, I want big boppers and speed in my lineup.. While Rick Garza 2003 season was, as Coach would say: pretty, pretty awesome, but, Garza was overtaken by Jimmy Brando rookie break out season.. Jimmy Brando is by far the better athlete, but I don’t care.. Give me the better team player here.
RUNNER UP: 2003 Rick Garza
.653 Avg /.752 OBP /2.009 OPS, 14 HR, 59 RBI, 30 games . . .
Left Center 2013 Joe Yonke
.653 Avg /.696 OBP /1.897 OPS, 17 HR, 69 RBI, 33 games . . .
Joe Yonke‘s 2013 season was incredible and the competition for his crown was very close, too close.. Both had high fielding and on-base percentages and were the best among all Lake County outfielders.. Yonke was also considered a utility fielder and was better suited over the 2019 version of Tommy Dubicki.. But, you can check out all the stats here, and what I said in part was that while Yonke is a little better ball player, Dubicki was obviously the better athlete and a better fit for the WHAT? Sftbll Clubs.
RUNNER UP: 2019 Tommy Dubicki
.600 Avg /.643 OBP /1.611 OPS, 15 HR, 89 RBI, 54 games . . .
Right Center 2014 Thomas Wolfer
.638 Avg /.685 OBP /1.535 OPS, 9 HR, 117 RBI, 89 games . . .
I know I’m ultimately bowing my hat on two amazing athletes.. Still, I need to decide between Thomas Wolfer and Brad Callahan.. I have more love in my heart for Callahan, but his best offensive season, 2024 campaign, was almost identical to Wolfers’ 2014 offensive season.. Here, the defense was the tiebreaker.. Wolfer defense was literally above plus average, but Callahan was still elite outfielder who consistently perform at a high level, excelling in both hitting and defensive aspects of the game, and I believe worthy of a spot on this list.
RUNNER UP: 2024 Brad Callahan
.676 Avg /.707 OBP /1.890 OPS, 7 HR, 50 RBI, 20 games . . .
Right Field 2017 Tim Matesi
.650 Avg /.697 OBP /1.777 OPS, 6 HR, 43 RBI, 28 games . . .
Normally the amount of games played matters to me for these exercise; however, Tim Matesi 2017 season was too good to pass up.. Not only was he coming off an All-Star season, but the debate between keeping a Troy Bloom around and releasing Tim Matesi prior to the 017’ season was a real (albeit dumb) moment WHAT? Sftbll fans had.. Plus, all teams normally carry extra outfielders anyways.. And if you want to say that Bradley Daniel should be one of the many right fielders on this list, I’m not going to argue very hard with you, though, keep an eye open for Kyle Risinger, but for now, Tim Matesi is my selection.
RUNNER UP: 2015 Bradley Daniel
.560 Avg /.644 OBP /1.275 OPS, 5 XB, 23 RBI, 30 games . . .
CATCHER / DH 2019 Cal Haley
.711 Avg /.720 OBP /1.970 OPS, 19 HR, 82 RBI, 32 games . . .
If there were an award for the league's top designated hitter, this entitlement should be named after Cal Haley, a testament to his dominance at the position.. Cal Haley, a phenomenal all-around player was renowned for his consistent offensive production and is one of only two players in team history to have at least five consecutive seasons with a .600 batting average.. Lastly, I did not want to complete this post without at least mentioning Junior Creekmore, Jr.. Known for his memorable moments like his Game 6 in the 2024 playoffs.. Junior’s career, while filled with impressive achievements, was often overshadowed by his doltish on the field.
RUNNER UP: 2024 Junior Creekmore
.609 Avg /.618 OBP /1.802 OPS, 13 HR, 54 RBI, 25 games . . .