Ports to Honor Area Baseball, Softball Stars
"We're very excited to celebrate the accomplishments of Louie and Tori, two terrific athletes," said Ports President and General Manager Pat Filippone. "The Ports are proud to continue to support and recognize outstanding student-athletes of the Stockton and San Joaquin community."
Louie Lechich, a senior at St. Mary's High School, will be honored as the top baseball player in the Greater Stockton area. He was selected as the Tri-City Athletic League's Most Valuable Player and the Stockton Record's Baseball Player of the Year for his outstanding performance during the 2009 season. Lechich, who has signed a letter of intent to play baseball at the University of California-Berkeley, batted .457 with 10 doubles, a triple, eight home runs and 27 RBI in 2009. The left-handed pitcher and outfielder also finished the season with a 3-1 record, a 2.48 ERA and 63 strikeouts in 48.0 innings, including a five-inning no-hitter against Buhach Colony in the playoffs in 2009. Lechich, the son of Lynne and Jim Lechich, is coached by 2009 Stockton Record Baseball Coach of the Year Pete Pijl. He was also named a Cal Hi Sports second-team All-State athlete for his success in 2009, and was a 2009 Charles Washington Award nominee.
"I am honored to receive the Player of the Year award from the Stockton Ports and I want to thank the organization for choosing me," Lechich said. "It was a great year for our team and I am truly honored to be recognized because there are a number of great ballplayers not only on my team, but throughout the area. It is truly an honor, and thank you."
Tori Shepard, a senior at Lodi High School, will be honored as the Greater Stockton Area High School Softball Player of the Year at the Hot Stove Banquet. She was named the 2009 Stockton Record Softball Player of the Year and named the SJAA Most Valuable Pitcher for her excellent performance. Under the instruction of Coach Michelle Guardado, the pitcher finished the regular season with a 15-4 record, a save, a 0.30 ERA and 241 strikeouts. Shepard has put together a 37-12 overall record and sub-0.50 ERA, with 609 strikeouts in her first three seasons with Lodi. She won the league's Most Valuable Player award as a sophomore. She also led the Lodi Extreme club team to the Babe Ruth World Series Championship in 2008. Shepard, who has signed a letter of intent with the University of Pacific to play softball, is the daughter of Bob and Angie Shepard.
"I'd like to thank my parents and coaches for all of their support over my athletic career," Shepard said. "I want to thank my parents for always being there for me, and my coaches for helping me become a better player and teammate. I look forward to serving as a leader on my team this season and continuing my softball career at the University of Pacific."
The Hot Stove Banquet, in addition to honoring Lechich and Shepard, will include a keynote address by Glen Kuiper, the Oakland A's TV play-by-play announcer. The Banquet will also include a VIP cocktail hour, elegant dinner, and a sports memorabilia raffle and silent auction.
The cost to attend the banquet is $50 per plate and $450 for a preferred table of 10. All proceeds raised from the event will benefit the Stockton Ports Anchor Fund, which aids several community projects, with a focus on youth centers and youth sports. Fans interested in attending should RSVP by Thursday, January 28.
To purchase tickets for the Ports Hot Stove Banquet, or for more information, contact the Ports front office at (209) 644-1900 or visit www.stocktonports.com.