The Big Stick Award from the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA) Baseball Association is an accolade given to a player who demonstrates exceptional offensive performance throughout the season. This award typically recognizes outstanding achievements in hitting, including high batting averages, significant home run counts, or overall slugging prowess. The recipient of the Big Stick Award is often seen as one of the best hitters in the league, showcasing both consistency and power at the plate.
Connor Ross has had an outstanding season at the plate and within his conference play, showcasing his abilities as a top-tier offensive player.
- Batting Average: Ross boasts an impressive overall batting average of .433, which jumps to an exceptional .530 in conference play. This indicates his consistent ability to get on base and his exceptional performance against conference rivals.
- On-Base Percentage (OBP): His overall OBP is .529, increasing to .606 in conference games. This shows his skill in not only hitting but also drawing walks and being hit by pitches to reach base.
- Slugging Percentage: Ross's slugging percentage is .793 overall and an astonishing 1.060 in conference play, demonstrating his power-hitting capabilities.
- Home Runs: He hit 8 home runs overall, with 7 of those in conference play, highlighting his significant power, especially against conference competition.
- Runs Batted In (RBI): Ross drove in 58 runs overall, with 45 RBIs in conference games, showcasing his ability to perform in clutch situations and drive in teammates.
- Hits: He accumulated 65 hits overall, 44 of which were in conference play, further indicating his offensive prowess.
- Extra-Base Hits: With 14 doubles and 8 triples overall, including 11 doubles and 6 triples in conference games, Ross has demonstrated his ability to hit for both power and speed.
Plate Discipline and Situational Hitting:
- Walks and Strikeouts: Ross walked 27 times overall and struck out only 17 times, showing excellent plate discipline. In conference games, he walked 15 times and struck out only 7 times, maintaining a solid approach at the plate.
- Sacrifice Flies: With 3 overall and 2 in conference play, Ross has shown his ability to bring in runs with situational hitting.
- Stolen Bases: He managed to steal 3 bases overall, showing some versatility on the base paths.
Connor Ross has had an exceptional season characterized by a high batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage, particularly excelling in conference play. His power-hitting abilities are evident in his home run, double, and triple counts. Additionally, his plate discipline and situational hitting have made him a crucial offensive player for his team.
Overall, Connor Ross's performance has been highly successful, making him a strong candidate for recognition and awards, such as the Big Stick Award, for his offensive contributions. Connor will transfer to Cal Baptist to continue his career in the NCAA Western Athletic Conference (WAC).