Scarborough High’s Chris Bernard, the Maine Gatorade Player of the Year for baseball, has even more accolades to add to his resume after his superb senior season on the diamond.
Bernard was named SMAA league MVP, received the Edson Hadlock Award as the league’s most valuable pitcher, and was also the league batting champion with a .548 average. He made the all-conference first team as both a pitcher and first baseman.
The hard-throwing righty, who will play at the University of Maine next season, helped the Red Storm (14-5) to its best-ever season at the Class A level. Scarborough finished as the Class A West runner-up, falling to Deering in the regional championship. Deering went on to win its third straight Class A state title and has not lost in over two seasons.
Bernard put up eye-popping stats both on the mound and at the plate. During the regular season, he had a 7-1 record with a 0.88 ERA, striking out 67 in 48 innings. On top of his league-leading batting average, Bernard hit five home runs, two triples, nine doubles and had 24 RBI in 42 at-bats. He walked 13 times and did not strike out.
Bernard was also named a finalist for the John W. Winkin Award, presented annually to the state’s top senior baseball player and selected by the Maine Baseball Coaches’ Association. The other finalists are Greely’s Nate Martin, Mt. Ararat’s Scott Rogers and Caribou’s Pat Thibodeau. The winner will be announced prior to the Maine Senior All-Star game, slated for Friday at 6 p.m. at St. Joseph’s College in Standish.
South Portland pitcher Chris Gorham joined Bernard on the All-SMAA first team. The Red Riots senior ace went 6-1 with a 1.78 ERA, striking out 47 while walking just four in 39.1 innings of work. Two Riots were named to the second team: junior outfielder Ryan Curit and sophomore first baseman Zach Horton.
Horton, who was also named to the SMAA all-defensive and all-rookie teams, hit .517 with eight doubles, 13 RBI, a homerun and a triple. He did not commit an error in the field. Curit batted .397 with two homers and eight RBI. He, too, was errorless in the field.
Scarborough junior catcher/pitcher Jake Rutt received second-team honors as a utility player. He hit .364 with two homers and 12 RBI during the regular season.
South Portland sophomore shortstop Paul Reny made the all-rookie team. He hit .256 and established himself as a solid defensive player in the 13 games he started during the regular season.
Mac McKew, Cheverus’ first-year coach, was named SMAA Coach of the Year. Portland’s Brian Furey received the Fred Harlow Award, which recognizes all-around play, dedication and attitude.
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