2017 Newcomer of the Year finalists
Pictured, from left to right: Max Wagner, Joe Hauser, Jess Ondell
The Wisconsin Baseball Central Newcomer of the Year award will honor the underclassman who had the best yearlong performance in his first season of substantial varsity experience. Our staff has chosen eight finalists for this year's inaugural award. The winner will be announced on Saturday, June 24. The eight finalists are listed below, in alphabetical order by last name.
Tyler Denu, Mount Horeb sophomore
Denu was dominant in his first year on the varsity pitching staff. The lefty went 6-1 in 58.1 innings pitched with a 1.20 ERA. He struck out 73 batters and tossed two complete games. The highlight of his season was a perfect game against Portage.
Luke Fox, Catholic Memorial freshman
Fox had a great season as a pitcher for the Crusaders. He went 5-0 and posted a 0.80 ERA in 26.1 innings pitched. He struck out 31 batters.
Joe Hauser, Sun Prairie freshman
Hauser played a big role for the state runner-up Cardinals this spring. He saw time both in the field and on the mound. He batted .267 with three doubles, a triple and 15 RBIs. On the mound, he went 2-2 with a 2.92 ERA in 26.1 innings.
John Nett, Kimberly sophomore
Nett made the most of his first season starting on varsity. He led the Division 1 state champions at the plate with a team-high .411 batting average. He drove in 13 runs for the Papermakers. He also went 4-1 with a 2.12 ERA in 48 innings on the mound.
Jess Ondell, Aquinas freshman
Ondell was instrumental in the Blugolds' run to a Division 3 state championship. He batted .476 with 16 doubles, a triple and 26 RBIs. He was 6-2 on the mound with a 2.37 ERA in 53 innings.
Max Wagner, Green Bay Preble freshman
Wagner made an immediate impact on the Hornets this spring, serving as the team's leadoff hitter. He hit .404 with 10 doubles, two triples, two home runs, 14 RBIs and 16 stolen bases.
Mitchell Woelfle, Janesville Craig sophomore
Woelfle was arguably Janesville Craig's top pitcher this year. He posted a 7-1 record with a 1.43 ERA in 53.2 innings and tallied 45 strikeouts.
Davis Zeutzius, Arrowhead sophomore
In his first year in a prominent role on the Arrowhead pitching staff, Zeutzius put together a great season. He went 7-1 in 47.2 innings and posted a 1.18 ERA with 45 strikeouts.
