Zach Giesbrecht is the 2020 Manitoba Junior Baseball League’s Most Valuable Player and the recipient of the Carey Candy Trophy.

The Carillon Sultans third baseman, who was also selected an MJBL all-star, batted .449 in 2020. He had 22 hits, scored 13 runs and had 11 rbi’s.

The 20-year-old Landmark product was also proficient on the mound as he won four of five games and recorded a 2.43 ERA.

“In my opinion the reason Zach won the award is that he was the best all around player in the league,” noted Carillon manager Curt Brandt. “He is very strong at the plate and then as a pitcher he is right up there with the best in the league. Zach has both qualities and he is very strong defensively.”

“He made one play earlier this year in a tight game where the other team had the bases loaded and a sharp grounder was hit to Zach at third. Our infield was in and as he was about to throw home, he realized he could take two steps back and touch third and then throw across the diamond to first to make the double play and get us out of the inning. That adjustment is not something every player would make but he is able to think in the situation and adjust which is very valuable. I’m very happy for Zach that the other managers in the league agreed with me and selected him as the MVP.”

Giesbrecht was the Manitoba Junior Baseball League’s Top Rookie in 2019.

2020 Manitoba Junior Baseball League Award Winners
MVP – Carey Candy Trophy: Zach Giesbrecht (Carillon Sultans)
Top Pitcher – Jack Hind Trophy: Brandon Racette (Elmwood Giants)
Manger of the Year – Ken Prodonick Trophy: Curt Letkeman (Altona Bisons)
Rookie of the Year – Jack Thompson Trophy: Tristan Peters (Pembina Valley Orioles)
Outstanding Defensive Player – Len Gzebb Trophy: Darnell Wyke (Elmwood Giants)
Sportsmanship & Ability – Jacobucci Domes Trophy: Riley Trager (Elmwood Giants)
Batting Champion – Vic Bozyk Trophy: Tristan Peters (Pembina Valley Orioles)
Umpire of the Year – Blake Swedlo
League Champions – Elmwood Giants

2020 All-Stars
Catcher – Isaiah Letkeman (Altona Bisons)
First Base – Riley Trager (Elmwood Giants)
Second Base – Dawson Tanner (Elmwood Giants)
Third Base – Zach Giesbrecht (Carillon Sultans)
Shortstop – Troy Kemball (St. James A’s)
Outfield – Tristan Peters (Pembina Valley Orioles)
Outfield – Ben Anderson (Interlake Blue Jays)
Outfield – Darnell Wyke (Elmwood Giants)
Designated Hitter – Jared McCorrister (Pembina Valley Orioles)
Left-handed Pitcher – Tyson Pringle (Pembina Valley Orioles)
Right-handed Pitcher – Brandon Racette (Elmwood Giants)