Winkler Orioles star Owen Goertzen has been named the Manitoba Junior Baseball League's MVP.
"It's pretty special," a humble Goertzen says of winning the award. "I didn't think it would happen this year, for sure. But, I feel honoured, and it's pretty special."
Mainly a third baseman, Goertzen also dabbles in first base and pitching, but mainly spends time at the hot corner. On top of his defense, he believes it was his hitting that got the most attention. "I mean, hitting was a big thing for me this year. To have the support of my teammates behind me, hitting is such a mental thing, and if you're caught in a rut, having supportive teammates just to help you bounce back is the biggest thing, I'd say. Just a shoutout to coach Dan (Giesbrecht) as well, tinkering with my swing , little things here and there that can help out, he really inspired me to be better this year."
Baseball is a hard game, it's a game where many players have to grind through the lows to get to the highs, and that mental toughness is something Goertzen says he's always working on and it helps him be successful. "There were a few games there, where you try not to get in your head. You can go hitless throughout a game, but having confidence in your abilities, and like I said before, your teammates are a huge part of that, when you're feeling down, they're there to pick you up. That's a huge part of it."
When hitting, Goertzen has a pretty simple approach, he's looking to do damage early. "First of all, I'm a first pitch kind of hitter. If I see something I like, I'll pull the trigger on it. I just try and put the bat on the ball, really. I just try for a base hit and go from there."
Being relied on in big moments is something Goertzen says he kind of grew into, and learned to really balance over the course of the season. "The pressure was definitely there ," the MVP says with a little chuckle. "I think the biggest thing was to try and stay in the moment, just take one pitch at a time. See the ball hit the bat, and take my time."
Winning the MVP award means Goertzen's name is going to be among some of the best athletes to ever play in the MJBL, a fact that is not lost on the young star. "It's an honour, I mean, you see some of the names, and they are such good ball players. The fact my name is there now, it's not anything I ever thought possible."
Celebrating the award with family might have been the best part for Goertzen. "They've been always super supportive, coming out to watch my games. Steinbach is a long drive, but they'd come out to every away game in Steinbach. They'd be coming to Winnipeg just to show their support. I'm super thankful for that."
Growing up through the Pembina Valley baseball programs, Goertzen can't say enough good things about the people that helped him get to where he is. "I would like to thank the coaches, the organization, they've really set the pieces for me to grow as a baseball player and help me succeed. I really appreciate that."
There's more for Owen Goertzen to do in the game of baseball and he says there's no place he'd rather be than home. "I can see myself maybe playing for the Whips one day. Playing for a local team. There is no other place I'd be than the Pembina Valley. Start off as the young guy, then be the veteran. Can't wait."