As we mentioned in our story last week, the Central Ontario Major Baseball League Executive Board met in Burlington, to finish up the business of the 2010 season. Part of that business was the voting for the various individual awards that are presented at the league's year-end banquet...along with the declaration of the final league statistics. And the Metros were well-represented among the finalists for the league hardware. First the results of the statistical awards.

The Team awards are as follows:

Ken Johnson Division Champions - Milton Red Sox
Len Andrews Division Champions - Erindale Cardinals
Anson Buck Trophy (Overall Champions) - Erindale Cardinals
Barry Dobson Trophy (Playoff Champions) - Milton Red Sox

And the Individual Statistical Awards:

League Batting Champion - Evan Baglieri, Niagara (.470)

League Home Run Champ - Chris Novia, Erindale (10)

Notes: The Metros' Baglieri made it two consecutive league batting titles for the Niagara club with his .470 mark in 2011. Dave Davidson led the league in 2010 with a .516 average, but prior to that it was 22 years between Batting titles for the Metros (the previous winner being Lance Bell in 1989). Baglieri's numbers were outstanding, as he posted his .470 average based on a 39 for 83 line (100 Plate Apps). He also led the team in doubles, home runs, total bases, RBI's, On Base Pct., Slug. Pct., and O.P.S.

Novia won his first league HR title, edging out Baglieri 10 to 9 (Baglieri hit 15 HR's on the year, but 6 were in tourneys and playoffs). The 10 HR's tied for the third-highest total in league history.

Congratulations to all of the winners...especially to the Milton Red Sox, who won both the Johnson Division and the League Playoff titles in 2011.

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The league also announced the finalists in the voting for the other major individual year-end awards. These award winners will be announced at the league's year-end banquet. More on that in a bit.

So without further adieu, here are the finalists for the C.O.M.B.L. awards for 2011, listed in alphabetical order:

Most Valuable Player: Evan Baglieri, Niagara; Jamie Smith, Mississauga; Tim Sogan, Glanbrook.

Pitcher of the Year: James Byrnes, Mississauga; Chris Cooney, Glanbrook; Geoff Strong, Niagara.

Rookie of the Year: James Byrnes, Mississauga; Ricky Ferri, Niagara; Dusty Roskam, Milton.

Bill Graham "Iron Man" Award: Justin Czorny, Glanbrook; Kevin Lee, Oakville; Vic Speciale, Brampton.

Sportsman of the Year: Carlos D'Costa, Milton; John DeWolfe, Erindale; Vic Speciale, Brampton.

Playoff Most Valuable Player: Sean Mathe, Milton; Mark Tourangeau, Oakville.

The league also hands out an Executive of the Year award, but there are no nominees for the award, just an announced winner at the banquet. Also, the league execs have voted for their respective Division Year-End All-Star teams, and they will also be announced at the banquet.

Speaking of the banquet, we have all of the details of "where and when", so you can circle your calendars. This year's event takes place at the King's Court Banquet Center, 1159 King Road, in Burlington. It will take place on Thursday, October 27. The cash bar will open at 6:00, and an all-you-can-eat roast beef buffet will be served at 7:15. The awards ceremony will follow, at roughly 8:15, wrapping up around 9:30. It has traditionally been one of the highlights of the C.O.M.B.L. season, and this year will be no exception. All league players should try to make plans to be there. We'll post a reminder notice, closer to the event date.

That's it for now, except to congratulate all of the winners and all of the nominees...especially Metros' Baglieri, Strong and Ferri. They all had great seasons, and deserve the recognition they have received with their award nominations.