The MVABL instituted the Comeback Player of the Year for the first time in 2009. And the first-ever recipient of this award goes to Warren County Shockers pitcher Jeff Cherry. The rubber-armed righty brandished a dismal 5-8 record in 2008 as a member of the Dayton Panthers, while tossing 89 innings and striking out 77. Cherry helped turn around a franchise into an above-.500 team. Jeff picked up a career high 8 wins in 2009 over 90 innings of work, striking out 117 batters (second all-time in a season in the MVABL). Cherry's Shockers were ousted in the first round by the Slammers, but Jeff showed his importance to the team by laboring into the 12th inning in his final start of the season.
The Comeback Player of the Year honor recognizes those individuals who have overcome life's twists and turns to have an excellent season in the MVABL. Here were the final point totals for the honorees as voted on by the coaches:
1. Jeff Cherry (P) Shockers - 23 pts.
2. Jake Kingsolver (OF) Rangers - 22 pts.
T3. Shane Fallen (C) Rangers - 21 pts.
T3. Matthew Coleman (P) Indians - 21 pts.
5. Gregg Foster (OF) Astros - 20 pts.
