23/04/2023 2 Minute Read

Jack Besgrove named WBSC U-23 Men’s Softball World Cup MVP; seven teams represented in All-World team

“I’m excited, I’ve never received an award like this before, especially at the world stage. So, it’s pretty awesome,” said Besgrove after the Closing Ceremony.

Australian ace Jack Besgrove was named the WBSC U-23 Men’s Softball World Cup Most Valuable Player after a magnificent performance throughout the tournament, capping it with a monster game and the title victory in the World Championship Final. Besgrove struck out 82 in 48 innings of work, while giving up 19 hits and eight earned runs.

“I’m excited, I’ve never received an award like this before, especially at the world stage. So, it’s pretty awesome,” said Besgrove after the Closing Ceremony.

Besgrove won the senior Men’s Softball World Cup last December. “Obviously, the first one is special, but this one is pretty good too!”

“Jack is one of the most amazing athletes I’ve ever seen. He’s definitely a workhorse,” said Australia head coach David Metekingi. “What makes him special is he’s a team player. He also works hard and does a lot of training.”

The WBSC also revealed that the composition of the I WBSC U-23 Men’s Softball World Cup All-World Team is well-represented by seven teams.

The best left-handed pitcher was Australia’s Besgrove, who tallied a 5-1 win-loss record before the final, with 41 innings pitched and 71 strikeouts for a 1.37 ERA. Argentina’s Juan Jose Pepe was the best right-handed pitcher, after pitching 27 innings with 45 Ks and a 0.78 ERA.

The best catcher of the tournament was Mitchell McKay of Canada who finished the tournament with a .294 batting average with two RBIs.

Two Japanese players were included in the All-World Team, namely Tomoki Kikukawa, the Best Designated Player, after hitting .333 with a homer a three RBIs; and outfielder Koki Sato, Japan’s leading hitter with .444, with three RBIs and five runs scored.

The right side of the infield belonged to New Zealand. Brock Attewell was named the top first baseman while Brock Evans was named the best second baseman. Attewell hit .333 with a homer, a triple and two doubles. Evans was the RBI leader of the tournament with eight and hit for .318.

Riley James of Australia claimed the All-World third baseman, posting a .350 batting average, with three triples and two RBIs. His teammate Ryan King was named in the outfield. King was the team’s best hitter with .368, two home runs and seven RBIs.

Nery Del Cid of Team WBSC finished the tournament as the best hitter with an impressive .579 batting average. He collected 11 hits in 19 at bats, with three RBIs.

The third outfielder is Jordan Solorio, from Mexico. He posted a .348 average with a home run and eight runs scored.

Individual awards