While we love the home runs, we know that the true heartbeat of Encino Little League is built on character, not just stats. We are thrilled to present the Burbank Sportscards Teammate of the Year awards!

This honor is not about home runs or strikeouts, it is about the players who embody the best of our community. The kids who display unwavering sportsmanship, maintain a positive attitude, lift up their peers, and are simply the best friend a teammate could ask for. Whether it is a player who leads by example, cheers the loudest in the dugout, or consistently demonstrates kindness on and off the field, we want to honor them and here are their stories!

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Sol Sax (AAA - Pirates): “Sol has an unmatched positive attitude and does everything with a smile. He is not only a friend to all his teammates but past teammates and school mates at ELL. He works really hard and his focus has led to big plays on defense, always making contact, and growing as a ballplayer. He is a great example for his team and a huge part of the Pirates! Go Sol!”

Joshua Roth (Minors - Phillies)

JT Drzewiecki (Minors - Royals)

Dylan Panguluri (Minors - Braves): Dylan is a great teammate who brings energy and enthusiasm to the team. His effort on the base path and joy when he scores are infectious and always fires up the squad and fans.

Noah Shaheen (AAA - Red Sox)

Levi Spiwak (Minor's - Athletics)

Ethan Zeisler (Majors - Pirates): Ethan is a quiet and steadfast leader who encourages and supports everyone on team and primes the chemistry on the team.

Griffin Sloane (Minors - Reds)

Leo Vassallo (Minors - Padres)

Jake Yamini (AAA - Athletics): “Jake always has a positive attitude. He hustles, supports his teammates, and remains optimistic in the face of challenge. He shows up early and ready. He helps lead the team culture and creates a warm encouraging environment.“

Liam Teller (Farm - Reds)

Logan Hochgesang (AAA - White Sox)

Xavier Inouye (Minors - Marlins):  Xavier is THE team player. Always a positive attitude, always makes an effort and sets an example for his team. Always makes plays and has contributed at every position on the field. True ball player.

Levi Gabriel (AAA - Orioles)

Dash McCloud (Minors - Dodgers)

Ecohe Moon Archey (Juniors - Braves): Moon hasn't missed a minute of practice or a game. He arrives early, and leaves late. He is fairly new to baseball, and is working super hard on learning the game at a relatively advanced age. Most importantly, he comes to the dugout with a smile every single time, made fast friends with his teammates this season, and is our loudest cheerleader. 

Samuel Feldman (AAA - Reds)

Leo Hanasab (AA - Braves)

Noah Whibley (AAA - Padres): Top tier attitude, loudest supporter of his teammates. Always has a smile on his face. First time playing baseball and has developed a love for the game by being a part of this team. Most receptive player on the team to coaching advice, both from his coaches and his peers. All around pleasure to be around and 100% has earned this reward. Way to go Noah!!

Bennett Goodell (AAA - Braves)

Dylan James & Calvin England (AA - White Sox)

Louis Mackey (Juniors - Dodgers): Louis Mackey, aka "Mack Attack," exemplifies the best qualities of an exceptional teammate: cheering for others in times of success; lifting them when they fall; always maintaining a positive attitude win or lose; bringing a smile and a can-do attitude even when our team is down by a lot; attending every optional practice to improve himself and to help his team; extending a friendly hand to opposing players when they meet him at first base; never giving up on himself or his team when called to the mound under tough circumstances; and personifying the joy of the greatest game on earth for his teammates and our fans. 

Lev Dorman (Majors - Dodgers)

Dash Logan & Ben Sheppo (Juniors - Red Sox)

Stone Salute (Majors - Padres): Stone is so positive and a true team leader through the ups and downs. From chatter leader in the dugout to leading with his actions he makes the Padres better in so many ways. Always polite and respectful he truely is our Teammate of the Year.

Charlie Richards (Juniors - White Sox)

Brady Eichberg (Majors - White Sox)

Halen Tarne (Minors - Red Sox): Halen epitomizes what it means to be a great teammate. He’s always supportive and cheering on his teammates. He shows up to every practice and works hard to improve. He plays with his emotions on his sleeve and that rubs off on the kids because they see how much it means to him to do well. He’s always picking up others when they are down. And he’s the life of the party and always trying to get the kids to play fun games after practices and games. He’s the glue that keeps our team bonded together! We love Halen and the Tarne family!

William Dion (AA - Phillies)

Eli Rodgers (Majors - Red Sox)

Caius Lamb (AAA - Mariners): Caius is an extraordinary kid. He is a great teammate, picks up all of his teammates if they are having a hard time and cheers on his teammates when they get a hit, score or make a good play. He is kind, listens to instructions, hustles on and off the field. Even if he isn't having the greatest game, he doesn't let that affect his attitude. I've even seen him trying to comfort kids on the opposing team that are having a hard time after a bad at bat. Every team that has their own version of Caius is a very lucky team.

Eli Ward (Majors - Cardinals)

Lucas Malaj (AAA - Royals)

Neal O'Doherty (AA - Reds): It’s always a great day for baseball for Neal O’Doherty. Be it a game or practice, he always shows up with a smile and is brimming with excitement. He greets all his teammates and if anyone is unfortunate enough to take a grounder or a liner to the body, he’s the first to check on his pal.

Chase Burton (Juniors - Athletics)

Logan Kohanoff (Minors - Orioles): Despite breaking his wrist a week before the season started, Logan has been a leader on this team. Even while hurt, he showed up to games to root his team on and pump up his teammates. He kept that going when he returned from injury. Always positive and I could not ask for more. The definition of a "team player." 

Adam Tichauer (AA - Athletics)