Vignero, Smithmyer pick up top AAABA awards

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Delweld’s Zach Vignero batted .421 with 32 RBIs this season on his way to winning the MVP award. John Rucosky

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July 21, 2011

Mike Mastovich mmastovich@tribdem.com The Tribune-Democrat Thu Jul 21, 2011, 11:47 PM EDT

JOHNSTOWN — Delweld’s Zach Vignero and Andy Smithmyer each played major roles in their team’s capturing the AAABA League regular-season title.

On Thursday Delweld’s dynamic duo claimed the league’s top two awards after a vote by managers and officers at the Baker’s Loaf restaurant.

Vignero earned the Dr. Robert Hartnett Most Valuable Player Award and Smithmyer claimed the Pete Vuckovich Award that honors the year’s top pitcher.

Delweld third baseman Zach Solarczyk, 17, took the Ken Horoho Award as top rookie position player, and Martella’s Pharmacy hurler Travis Antolik was named the Bill Jenkins Award winner as the top rookie pitcher.

Vignero has been a veteran presence on a 23-12 team. The 20-year-old was a threat at the plate, on the mound and played every position except shortstop throughout the season. He batted a league-best .421 (40 for 95) with 10 doubles, one triple, one homer and 32 RBIs.

Members of the All-AAABA team:

Catcher: Pat Gully, Martella’s.

First baseman: Alex Martin, Roxberry Creamery.

Second baseman: Matt Donaldson, Delweld.

Shortstop: Ryan Matsko, Roxberry Creamery.

Third baseman: Mike Cima, Martella’s.

Outfielders: Nate Campbell, Renegades; David McKolosky, Martella’s; Josh Staniscia, Delweld; Josh Robinette, Delweld; and Mike Kastelic, Renegades.

Starting pitchers: Ben Weimer, Renegades; Ryan Loutsenhizer, Renegades; Mike Mulvey, Martella’s; Nate Kohuth, Roxberry Creamery.

Relief pitchers: Kyle Zambanini, Martella’s; Nate Spohn, Renegades.

Closer: Ryan D’Andrea, Renegades.

Utility players: Eric Weyant, Delweld; and Matt Kastelic, Renegades.

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