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2024 Pacific International League All-League Players Announced
As the 2024 season of the Pacific International League (PIL) comes to a close, the league has announced its All-League selections. Highlighting the talent on display throughout the summer, these athletes exemplified top-tier collegiate baseball. From infield mastery to lights-out pitching, this year’s list features a mix of familiar faces and rising stars who made an indelible mark on the season. At the top of the list is CJ Blowers of the Honkers, crowned 2024 MVP for his dual-threat brilliance on the mound and in the batter’s box.
Infield Stars: Dominating the Dirt
The infield lineup for the 2024 All-League team showcases a blend of versatility, defense, and offensive firepower.
- Makana Murashige (STUDS) set the tone with his slick glove and consistent bat. The STUDS relied on his steady presence in crucial moments, and he rarely disappointed, showcasing both range and arm strength.
- Ty Rusko (FISHSTICKS) was another standout, a key cog in the FISHSTICKS’ lineup who brought both defensive stability and timely hitting to the table. His agility and quick reflexes at the hot corner made him a highlight-reel regular.
- Evon Williams (GUMBEROOS) was a vital piece for the GUMBEROOS’ infield, a player known for his athleticism and ability to make challenging plays look routine. His bat came alive in key moments, helping fuel the team’s success.
- Abiel Gonzalez (HONKERS) rounded out the infield as a powerful and steady presence. His combination of quickness and intelligence made him a natural leader on the diamond.
Honorable Mentions:
- Harrison Kaufman (BLACKFINS) and Ethan Nakamura (GUMBEROOS) each had outstanding seasons. Kaufman’s defensive prowess and Nakamura’s offensive contributions earned them recognition just outside the top tier.
Outfield Excellence: Speed and Power
The outfield selections reflect a dynamic group of players who showcased both range and power throughout the season.
- Isaiah Afework (STUDS) brought elite defense and speed to the table, often making game-saving plays. At the plate, he provided timely hits that made a significant impact for his team.
- Josh Parks (HONKERS), Logan Blank (HONKERS), and Eli Savitt (HONKERS) form a trio of outfielders from the same team, highlighting just how dominant the HONKERS’ outfield was this season. Parks’ hustle and Blank’s power helped propel their team to crucial victories, while Savitt’s consistency across the board earned him a well-deserved spot.
Honorable Mentions:
- Hunter Klingelhoffer (FISHSTICKS), Brody Bluhm (BLACKFINS), Kaynan Kaku Jr (GUMBEROOS), and Hunter Komine (DUDES) showcased their skills throughout the season, narrowly missing out on a first-team selection but contributing to their respective teams in key moments.
Power at First Base
- Logan Shepherd (STUDS) provided an elite combination of defense and power at first base. A true force at the plate, Shepherd’s bat was a game-changer for the STUDS and earned him not only All-League honors but also an MVP Honorable Mention.
Honorable Mentions:
- Paxton Bigby (BLACKFINS) and Jack Varney (DUDES) displayed strong performances all season, each playing key roles for their teams both defensively and offensively.
Behind the Plate: Catchers of the Year
- Jack Bergstrom (STUDS) was the unquestioned leader behind the plate. His ability to control the game and manage a talented STUDS pitching staff made him invaluable, while his offensive output added another dimension to his game.
Honorable Mentions:
- Mike Snyder (BLACKFINS) and Matt Revels (GUMBEROOS) showcased top-tier catching ability and leadership, proving themselves as key players for their respective teams.
Utility Players: Versatility Pays Off
- Brayden Oram (FISHSTICKS) was recognized for his all-around excellence, seamlessly transitioning between positions and providing steady offense, making him a crucial component of the FISHSTICKS’ success.
Honorable Mentions:
- Ryan Jeffery (BLACKFINS) and Declan Brown (DUDES) earned honorable mentions for their versatility and all-around contributions.
Designated Hitter: Power at the Plate
- Ben Schnurman (STUDS) was an offensive juggernaut as the league’s top designated hitter. His ability to change the game with a single swing made him a key player for the STUDS’ offense.
Honorable Mention:
- Hayden Matray (HONKERS) made his presence felt with key hits and power, adding depth to the HONKERS’ lineup.
Pitching Excellence: Starting Rotations that Dominated
The 2024 season was highlighted by brilliant pitching performances. The All-League starting pitchers displayed dominant stuff all season long.
- Tyler Logan (STUDS) was a consistent force on the mound, leading the STUDS’ rotation and keeping opposing hitters off-balance with his pinpoint control.
- Logan Pierce (FISHSTICKS), another standout starter, earned an MVP Honorable Mention for his season-long excellence.
- Dylan Weddle (GUMBEROOS), CJ Blowers (HONKERS), and Tanner Boe (HONKERS) rounded out a stellar starting group, with Blowers standing out enough to earn MVP honors.
Honorable Mentions:
- Micah Hagler (FISHSTICKS), Connor Campbell (BLACKFINS), and Joseph Gutierrez (GUMBEROOS) were all close to making the first team, each contributing strong outings for their teams.
Bullpen Standouts: Relief Pitchers to Watch
- PJ Moritz (STUDS), Derek Hotzler (STUDS), Charlie Coffman (FISHSTICKS), Alex Combs (HONKERS), Robley Corsi (BLACKFINS), and Vinny Rein (HONKERS) formed the league’s most dominant bullpen. These relief pitchers were trusted to shut down opponents in high-pressure situations, and they delivered.
Honorable Mention:
- Finn Still (FISHSTICKS) capped off a strong season, earning his spot as an honorable mention for his consistent performance out of the bullpen.
MVP: CJ Blowers Takes Home the Top Honor
Leading the way as the 2024 PIL Most Valuable Player is CJ Blowers (HONKERS). A dual-threat both as a starting pitcher and at the plate, Blowers’ all-around excellence was unmatched. His leadership and ability to come through in high-pressure moments made him a standout this season.
Honorable Mentions:
- Logan Shepherd (STUDS) and Logan Pierce (FISHSTICKS) both had MVP-caliber seasons but ultimately fell short to Blowers in the voting. Their contributions, however, were undeniable.
As the Pacific International League bids farewell to another thrilling summer, the 2024 All-League players leave their mark as some of the brightest collegiate talents on the rise.
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About PIL
About
Founded in the fall of 1992, the PIL is considered by many to be the premier Summer Collegiate Baseball league in the Northwest. Most PIL players are NCAA eligible and are unpaid in order to maintain their eligibility. The PIL is different from many other summer collegiate baseball leagues in that the league also allows former professionals and college graduates to participate.