2016 News Archives
Portage South Announces 2017 Wall of Fame Class
The 2017 Portage South Baseball Wall of Fame class was selected in August with one former Black
Squirrels being honored. Walt Samson was chosen by the PS Wall of Fame committee.
Walt Samson played with Portage South from 2009 through 2013. He played his college baseball at Wooster. Samson
was a 4-time All Star selection from 2010-13. He was twice named PS Cy Young and was a 3-time finalist for league Pitcher
of the Year. In 2011, Samson set the PS record for innings pitched in a season with 76.1. Named All-League for
three consecutive seasons (2010-2012). He finished his career in the top five of almost all pitching statistics.
A Pair of Black Squirrels Named All Hobbs Team
The Roy Hobbs/Greater Akron AA League Awards were announced and Phil
Smith was named George Sisler Award winner for the league's top hitter. This was the second consecutive year
Smith has won this award. There were also 2 Black Squirrels were named to the All-League team. 24 players
were selected for league. Ron Spears and Phil Smith were honored for PS
in the 2017 season.
PS Team Awards Announced for 2017
With the 2017 season now over, the Portage South Black Squirrels announce
the annual team awards. The PS MVP was presented to Phil Smith. Smith
had 34 hits, 20 runs scored, 13 doubles, 2 HRs, 13 SB and drove in 22 runs. His .500 average was high on the team earning
the Stan Musial Batting Title. The PS Cy Young was a tough selection this season, but Eric
Schaffer took home the hardware. Schaffer led the team in appearances, innings pitched and strikeouts.
The fourth and final award given out is
known as "The Herb". The 2017 Herb went to Joe Watts.
John Ventura Inducted into the Greater Akron Baseball Hall of Fame
The Greater Akron Baseball Hall of
Fame’s class of 2017 will be inducted during a three-day celebration. Portage South Black Squirrel, John
Ventura, was among the 16 new members and special award winners to be introduced at a RubberDucks game. The
GABHOF recognizes individuals who have contributed to area baseball organizations as players, coaches, umpires, managers,
sponsors or boosters. The hall of fame gallery is located inside Canal Park in downtown Akron.
Ventura pitched for Walsh Jesuit High School from 1990-94 before becoming an all-conference
pitcher at Walsh University in 1997. He played amateur baseball for more than a decade and was part of the Walsh Jesuit coaching
staff that guided the team to state championships in 2006 and 2008.
