Steamers Announce Four Award Winners
The Steamers announced the four seasonal award winners before Saturday night’s game against the Suffolk Voyagers.
The awards given out were the Gieseke Gold Award (Team MVP), the Goodman Glove Award (Best Defensive Player), the Evans Pitcher of the Year Award (Best Pitcher), and the Heart and Soul Award.
Nate Paulsen took home the Gieseke Gold Award for the 2022 season, his first in Edenton. Paulsen burst onto the scene for the Clams with his ability to get on base and hit for extra bases. The freshman from West Virginia State University is hitting .336, with a team high .451 OBP. Paulsen also leads the team with 12 doubles, and his 16 XBH ranks first on the Steamers. His defense in center field has been spectacular as well. He holds a fielding percentage of .950 and is tied for the team lead with two outfield assists. Paulsen follows current Steamer teammate, Hunter Cole, who won the award in 2021. He’s the 16th recipient of the award, named after Gayle Gieseke in 2006.
Chase Bruno walked away with the Goodman Glove Award thanks to his lockdown defense at shortstop all season. Bruno has played short in all 34 games he’s participated in this season. He holds a fielding percentage of .975 this summer. The junior from Montreat College has made only 3 errors in 119 total chances this season. He oftentimes makes the most difficult plays seem the most routine with how often he’s able to make big stops. Current Steamers catcher Case Kermode won the award last season for his play behind the plate. Bruno is the 13th recipient of the award, named after Livy Goodman in 2010.
Cole Bates earned the Evans Pitcher of the Year award. Bates has been one of the most reliable relievers for Edenton this summer. The right hander from UNC Asheville had nine scoreless appearances to begin the summer. He has a 1.50 ERA and a 0.83 WHIP. He’s been utilized in different roles this season, both as a setup man and closer. Bates is 5/5 in save opportunities this season, and opponents have only scored three total runs against him in 18 IP. He follows his current teammate, Blake Gipson, who was the recipient of the award in 2021. Bates is the 4th winner of the award, named after Wallace Evans in 2019.
Jeremiah Boyd won the Heart and Soul Award for the 2022 season. Boyd has constantly carried himself with a smile and lots of positive energy. The catcher from Middle Tennessee State University never misses an opportunity to shake all three umpires hands before the game. He always talks and jokes with every player and coach he talks to, no matter the team. He embodies what it means to win the award. Boyd joins Daniel Rutherford who won the award in 2021. He is the 11th winner of the award, named after Katy Ebersole in 2012.
The award winners will wrap up the 2022 regular season in Edenton with games against the Tarboro River Bandits on August 1st and 2nd, before the postseason begins on August 4th. The Steamers will be home at Historic Hicks Field at 7:00 pm to take on Tarboro tonight.