By Tom Nader

Publisher and Editor

Baseball is a sport where statistics are king.

The list of statistical categories tracked is like a wave of numbers that never stops.

I remember reading Baseball Weekly as a kid, with the back pages filled with statistical leaders. There were all the ones that most are accustomed to like batting average, home runs, runs scored, and more.

Then when you flipped to one of the last pages, you eventually saw a listing of next-level numbers. Leaders like batting average with a two-strike count or home runs hit on weekend games and a variety of numbers that would be classified as “analytics” in today’s professional sports bubble.

In a world of stats and numbers, though, one category that is missing is “runs saved.”

A statistic designed to spotlight the elite defenders who halt base-running advancements or disrupt rallies with their defensive gems.

Think of it almost as an RBI in reverse.

Even without it, though, it is easy to identify a game-changing defensive player.

Their glove gets to every ball.

Their arm strength is electric.

Their instincts almost seem supernatural.

The best of these players are so valuable that their award is made of gold.

The Gold Gloves.

Portage County has them, too, and I proudly present to you the 10th annual Portage Sports Gold Glove award winners.

DREW SCOTT

AURORA

Junior first base

Coach Glenn Galang: “Everyone calls Drew the ‘Hoover vacuum’.” He is very good at scooping throws to first base, thus preventing errors. He is also very agile for his frame and has soft hands.”

CADEN KOLESAR

FIELD

Senior centerfield and pitcher

Coach Joe Peterson: “Caden has been a four-year starter for us and was elected captain for this season by his teammates. Ever since he entered our program, his attitude and effort have been off the charts. He is a heck of a ball-player with a tremendous love for the game. Caden has dedicated himself to the weight room in the off-season, while continuing to work on his skills. We are very excited to watch him play at the next level.”

BROCK PESICEK

GARFIELD

Senior catcher

Coach Mike Paes: “Brock has been a staple in our program for four years. He has started since his freshman year, where he excelled behind the plate. Brock keeps us in a lot of games just being good at his position. It has been a blessing to have this caliber of a catcher for the last four years, and he is going to be extremely hard to replace.”

TEDDY MACARONE

KENT ROOSEVELT

Senior shortstop, catcher, pitcher

Notable Statistics: .980 fielding percentage.

Coach Mike Haney: “This season, Teddy returned to his natural position at shortstop, which is the spot that helped him earn his college opportunity. His elite athleticism and steady leadership continue to anchor our defense, making it a consistent strength night in and night out. He has established himself as one of the premier defensive athletes in the Suburban League and the surrounding area.

“Teddy’s willingness to step in at catcher last season speaks volumes about his selflessness and team-first mindset. Despite having no prior experience at the position, he earned All-League honors, elevating his impact even further. Adding to that, he battled back from a significant injury suffered in the final football game of the season. His commitment and resilience allowed him to not only return to compete this spring, but also get back on the ice during hockey season, where he earned All-League honors as a defenseman. It is an impressive testament to his toughness and dedication.”

TYLER PENDERGAST

MOGADORE

Senior catcher

Notable Statistics: 18-for-18 on putouts over the last two years.

Coach Chris Williams: “Tyler has been a defensive leader for us over the last two years and continues to lead again this year. His willingness to play any position and sacrifice for the team epitomizes his team-first attitude.”

MATTHEW FULLER

RAVENNA

Senior Catcher

Coach Lee Lovejoy: “Matt leads us behind the plate and has nearly caught every inning the past three seasons. He has worked hard and became a crafty leader.”

ALEX ELY

ROOTSTOWN

Senior right fielder

Notable Statistics: Only four errors in 68 career games.

Coach Keith Waesch: “Alex has tremendous range and has taken away numerous hits from opposing hitters the past four years. He makes four or five diving catches every spring and has been a huge asset both offensively and defensively for us. Alex also has an outstanding arm, which has allowed him to double up several baserunners after an amazing catch.”

BRADY BROWN

ROOTSTOWN

Senior centerfield

Notable Statistics: Zero errors in 32 career games.

Coach Keith Waesch: “Brady is a cross country runner who seems to come out of nowhere to run down a ball in the gap. Brady has made several highlight reel catches and has saved our pitching staff several runs over the past two seasons in center field. He’s a joy to watch as he makes things look so effortless.”

BRADLEY DILLON

SOUTHEAST

Sophomore catcher

Coach Matt Dillon: “Bradley is a well prepared catcher. He understands how to handle a pitching staff and is also quick behind the plate with his feet and body when it comes blocking baseballs. Bradley’s arm and accuracy are rapidly improving, making Bradley a valuable asset for the baseball program. Coach Mike Richeson handles the catches and is constantly working with Bradley to improve.”

SCOTT WILSON

STREETSBORO

Senior centerfield and pitcher

Notable Statistics: Zero errors in centerfield.

Coach Chris Scisciani: “Scotty has been a game-changer for us defensively up the middle. Whether he’s on the mound or tracking balls down in center field, he consistently makes big-time plays. He’s already made multiple diving catches this season, and we’re just getting started. He is also a great leader to the young guys out there playing alongside him, and he does an excellent job getting great reads on fly balls.

LANDIN LEWIS

WATERLOO

Junior outfield

Notable Statistics: 1.000 fielding percentage.

Coach Zach Rogers: “Landin has done such a great job in the outfield for us this year! He has been a real security blanket for our pitching staff and has made some big time plays so far this season! Landin always brings such a positive and competitive energy, which helps set the tone for us as a team defensively day in and day out.”

BRYAN SMITHBERGER

WINDHAM

Sophomore shortstop and pitcher

Notable Statistics: One error this season.

Coach Jake Eye: “Bryan is the total package baseball player.  He can play any position on the field and know its responsibilities and where to be when a ball is put in play.  He has great knowledge of the game and is extremely smooth in the field and on the mound.  He loves the game and works very hard at becoming the best he can be.  He is becoming a strong leader and is a great teammate.”