Ontario University Athletics announced today that Varsity Blues starting pitcher Marek Deska has been named the 2008 OUA most valuable pitcher.
The Mississauga native received this distinction after recording a solid 1.11 ERA in an impressive 44 innings this season. He allowed only nine runs on 28 hits in six games. The OISE student was also honoured as a first-team league all-star.
Deska’s most notable outings came when his team needed him most. As the Blues battled for their playoff lives, Deska calmly stepped on the mound and threw a complete game, two hit shutout against the Guelph Gryphons on October 1st. And on three days rest, he threw eight more remarkable innings, giving up one earned run on two hits to upset the Western Mustangs 3-1, and keep his team in the hunt for the final playoff spot.
Joining Deska on the first team is Blues centre fielder Jamie Lekas (Toronto, Ont.). Toronto also had two players recognized as OUA second team all-stars; second baseman David Fallico (Toronto, Ont.) garnered the distinction for the first time and third baseman Mike Dahiroc (Ajax, Ont.) is awarded his second all-star nod (2006 as a second baseman).
2008 OUA BASEBALL ALL-STARS AND MAJOR AWARD WINNERS
Most Valuable Hitter – Chris Piccini (McMaster)
Most Valuable Pitcher – Marek Deska (Toronto)
Rookie of the Year – Ryan Panas (Laurier)
Coach of the Year – Wayne Gowan (McMaster)
FIRST TEAM ALL-STARS
Catcher - Chris Pittaway (Laurier)
First Base - John McGregor (McMaster)
Second Base - Travis Hendry (Waterloo)
Shortstop - Scott Mahn (Laurier)
Third Base - Ryan Panas (Laurier)
Outfield - Chris Piccini (McMaster), Andrew Salmon (Western), Sean Lemon* (McMaster),
Jamie Lekas* (Toronto)
Designated Hitter - Ryan Hurley (McMaster)
Starting Pitcher - Marek Deska (Toronto)
Relief Pitcher - Greg Swan (McMaster)
SECOND TEAM ALL-STARS
Catcher - Devlin Connely (McMaster)
First Base - Jason Diniz-Wood (Waterloo)
Second Base - David Fallico (Toronto)
Shortstop - Mike Glinka (Waterloo)
Third Base - Mike Dahiroc (Toronto)
Outfield - Elliot Shrive (Waterloo), Matt Bekar (Western)
Designated Hitter - Tim Sogan (Brock)
Starting Pitcher - Jason Ermers (Brock)
Relief Pitcher - Tim Sinyard (Laurier)
* - denotes tie
