As announced by Ontario University Athletics (OUA) on Thursday morning, the University of Toronto Varsity Blues baseball team claimed four major awards, along with eight all-star selections.

Beginning with the OUA's most valuable player, fourth-year Blues outfielder Owen Taylor was recognized for the second consecutive season. This fall Taylor once again provided invaluable leadership and defensive range in the Blues outfield, while also contributing at the plate in key situations with patience and poise. The commerce student appeared in 19 total games for U of T this fall, producing 26 hits, a team-high 22 RBI, 19 runs, 17 walks, and seven stolen bases, registering a batting average of .419 and slugging percentage of .629.

Another back-to-back winner, fellow fourth-year veteran Kevin Angers was honoured as OUA most valuable pitcher for a second consecutive season as well. The U of T engineering student earned wins in four of the five games he started this season, finishing the fall with a team-high 36 strikeouts and a team-best 2.05 ERA. With his ability to control the game, Angers conceded just six earned runs through his six total appearances, which saw him pitch 26.1 total innings. Angers was also instrumental in the Blues returning to the OUA final, delivering six strikeouts across 6.2 innings worked in Toronto's 15-4 OUA semifinal win over the Queen's Gaels.

Shifting to the batter's box, second-year infielder Ryan Hsu garnered OUA most valuable hitter honours. The Blues second baseman was sensational during the championship weekend, converting five hits in the Blues two games into six RBI and three runs. In 21 total games played, Hsu tallied 21 hits and a team-high 17 walks, with 15 RBI, 13 runs, and six stolen bases. A trustworthy bat at the top of the order, Hsu's consistency helped prolong many offensive rallies for the Blues, finishing the year with a .375 batting average and .513 on-base percentage.

Rounding out the major award winners, Toronto head coach Andrew Needles was named OUA coach of the year for the second year in a row. In just his second season leading the Blue and White, Needles guided the Blues to a 10-4 regular season record, including an impressive 8-2 record on their home diamond. He then led Toronto to undefeated runs at both the OUA Regional Qualifier and OUA Championship. Needles now holds a 21-6 regular season record as bench boss, and a 40-10 record overall in his two seasons leading the Blues.

Taylor, Angers and Hsu were also named OUA all-stars, along with fellow U of T teammates Carter Hercun, Jacob Cellupica, Spenser Ross, Kirk Gibson, and Sam Aslanowicz.

The complete list of 2024 OUA baseball award winners and all-stars is as follows:

Most Valuable Player – Owen Taylor, Toronto
Most Valuable Pitcher – Kevin Angers, Toronto
Most Valuable Hitter – Ryan Hsu, Toronto
Rookie of the Year – Jack Cohen, Brock
Coach of the Year – Andrew Needles, Toronto

All-Stars
Catcher – Adam Rusch, Waterloo
First Base – Carter Hercun, Toronto
Second Base – Ryan Hsu, Toronto
Short Stop – Jacob Cellupica, Toronto
Third Base – Spenser Ross, Toronto
Third Base – Jonah Brotman, Queen's
Outfield – Owen Taylor, Toronto
Outfield – Sam Aslanowicz, Toronto
Outfield – Nolan Phelan, Brock
Designated Hitter – Kirk Gibson, Toronto
Starting Pitcher – Kevin Angers, Toronto
Relief Pitcher – Jack Cohen, Brock