Millard Athletic Association

"I am so proud of Joe and the way he treats his teammates (and coaches)!

He is always encouraging his teammates during practice and in games.

He gives 110% on the field and is such a positive part of our team. 

I know that his attitude has rubbed off on
those that are around him, and I hope all
of his teammates learn from his example! 

Way to go Joe, Joe!!"

"Chase loves to play baseball and overall is a big baseball fan.  He loves to go to games and has been to numerous major league games to watch.

He collects rally monkeys from each stadium he visits.  He played very well in his first game this season.

He hopes to soon be a yellow belt in Tae Kwando.

He is a kind and very good natured little boy.

He supports his sisters volleyball and is very encouraging for a 5 year old.

He is a very good team player and is very supportive of his teammates."

"Andy began playing baseball at age 5.

He has been with MAA the entire time and has learned the rules of baseball and teamwork on and off the field.

He may be the smallest player on the team but he makes up for it with his energy and attitude.

You can always count on Andy to make his best effort at any position he is asked to play.

Andy and his family are also fortunate to be able to see many major league games when vacationing.

His family is very proud to watch him and join in his excitement as he plays the game of baseball."

"I have been coaching for several years and have had the pleasure of working with a lot of great kids.

Having said that, few are as consistent as Dalton in terms of work ethic, sportsmanship and positive attitude.

As an example, last week in a tight game that resulted in a loss, Dalton not only made several amazing plays at multiple positions, but also pitched for 2 scoreless innings.  Then, while sitting in the dugout while many teammates were upset, he was resolute and upbeat, encouraging others.  His demeanor and calm greatly impacts those around him. 

After the game, he is one of the first players to get in line to congratulate the opponents, win or lose, and is quick to clean up the dug out and pick up equipment.  In the several years I have coached Dalton, he has never complained about playing a position, an opposing player, or the outcome of a game.

While I have had many kids on my teams say Dalton is one of the greatest players on the team, it is the parents who often say he is one of the best kids on the team.  That is what makes Dalton such a great contribution and why I am strongly convinced that he is more than deserving of
consideration for Runza Player of the Week."

"Cody displays what it means to be a true team player. He pays attention to the coaches and tries his
absolute best.

In addition to trying his best on the field, Cody supports his teammates in the dugout and is always there
helping to clean up the dugout afterwards.

During a practice last week Cody was hit with a flying bat; as a result his nose was busted.

It was a terrible accident but Cody's reaction has been an example for all. He has been gracious regarding the accident. Even though he couldn't play this past weekend, he sat in the dugout for both games - Saturday and Sunday - cheering on his
teammates and giving them support.

Cody's attitude and behavior have more than earned him Player of the Week. We are lucky to have
him as a Tiger."

"In all the years I have coached and played baseball I have never seen a young man who playes the game like he does.

No matter what the score is in the game he is always possitive and trying to keep his team in the game.

He even, between pitches in his own at bat and his team down by 10 runs was yelling at his team to get things going and telling his team the game is not over.

This kid would do anything his coaches ask of him.

Tonight with his team reaching the breaking point and ready to fall apart he started and pithed an absolute masterpiece.

Giving up just 1 ER and strikingout 8 batters to lift his team to much needed victory that his team needed so much.

This kid is the definition of the player of the week.

Nice time PRIMETIME POLHMAN!"

"Brian Wircenske is the ultimate teammate.  Whether on the field, on the bench or off the field to Brian it is team mates first.

This weekend, the Millard Red Muckdogs participated in and won the 11 AA level RUNZA MEMORIAL DAY TOURNAMENT.  Of 18 teams, we battled and were victorious through 6 games.

Through the tournament(and through the season)Brian Wircenske was and has been

a player that focuses on the team.  Brian is continually encouraging teammates, building them up, getting teammmates to participate in activites as a team, etc. 

Brian always gives his best!

Brian Wircenske is the greatest example both us as coaches AND the players as teammates have experienced in several years of coaching youth.  It is players such as Brian that 'give their all to their team' that should be represented by the Runza award."

"Isaac is a wonderful team player, he is positive and caring.
Last week he made a diving catch to make an out and another player ended up triping over him and sitting on top of him, but he held on to that ball. 

In a different inning, Isaac was pitching, he caught another pop fly for another out and then ran to first base and made a double play. 

He is a big asset to our team and always has a smile on his face! 

Way to go Issac!!!"

"On Saturday May 30th Ryan hit his 1st homerun over the fence. He's 5 years old. If you can imagine how great this made him feel.

He just stood there looking with amazement. He told his grandmother the night before that he was going to hit a homerun for her birthday and he did. The night before he worked and worked on getting the ball over the fence at our house. Ryan lives to play and watch baseball. He practices everyday catching and batting.

Ryan looks up to his dad who is 50 and still playing on several teams. He even wears his dad's #11. His dad teaches him the sport and works with him daily. His dad teaches him to be a team player and the game is not just about him.

Ryan has spent this week watching the games for the college world series. He is so excited that his dad will be taking him.
Whenever we are driving and he sees a game he tries to get me to pull over so he can watch. Baseball is definately his life and love.

Several parents have told me how their children look up to Ryan because he encourages them to do a good job. Ryan tries to get everyone to play ball. He is already trying to teach his 2 yr old brother how to bat."

"Friday (6/23) we were down to 8 players against a very good team in the Cubs.

Jake Lortz played extremely well at shortstop as he had all year.  He mad an excellent spinning play near 2nd to throw a player out at 1st.  

In the midst of the game, Jake took and errant throw in the shin.  He was down for several minutes but never onced asked to come out.  

I am sure he knew we would forfeit if he did.  Jake gutted it out the rest of the game.  He even knocked in a run after the injury.  

The next night Jake came out and played a nother great game.  He had another hit and run scored but he came up huge in the last play of the game as he took a relay throw well into left field and threw a runner out at the plate to end the game.  A 5-4 Nationals win.  

This was Jake's last game of the year.  Though he struggled at the plate all year he always had a positive attitude and played well in the field.  He was a great kid to coach
and is a great kid period."