Claudio Custodio has been named the most valuable player in the Intercounty Baseball League.
The Guelph Royals right hander was lethal on the mound this season, most notably shattering the 57-year IBL record for strikeouts with 196.
The previous mark was 156 back in 1965 by Ron Stead of the Brantford Red Sox.
But he was known for more than just strikeouts.
In 16 starts this year, Custodio pitched in a league-leading 120 innings – he went at least seven innings for Guelph in all but one start – his 2.17 ERA was second in the league, he issued 25 walks, and had a perfect 11-0 record.
He also made regular appearances as a batter. He went 19-for-47 in the regular season, knocking in eight runs, struck out eight times and stole three bases.
Custodio receives the John Bell Memorial Trophy as a result, the first Guelph Royal to win the award since Frank Hare in 2012.
He was also named as an IBL First Team All-Star as the right hand pitcher.
Royals third baseman Malik Collymore tied Toronto's Jonathan Solazzo for the first team honour in the hot corner. Dalton Pompey was named a first team all-star in the outfield.
A pair of Royals made the second team list. Conner Morro was picked at shortstop, while Ethan Hammond was one of three outfielders selected.
Guelph was knocked out of the IBL postseason in the first round by Hamilton.
The IBL Finals remains ongoing, with London and Toronto set to play Game 3 Friday night in London. The series is tied at one.
