indians awards

The Swift Current Indians wrapped up another season with their year-end awards banquet Sunday, with outfielder Josh Johnson being named the team's Player of the Year.

"I'm happy to be Player of the Year, I appreciate it," Johnson said. "We had a great team and great coaching staff and just to be part of this team was a great experience, and I wouldn't trade it for the world."

The season was a memorable one for Johnson, who broke the league's stolen base record on the final game of the regular season, and was named the WMBL's MVP in the regular season, but he says the highlight of the year for him was the way the guys came together as a team.

"To get 25 different guys to come together and it seems like we've been playing with each other for four years now," Johnson said. "The bond that we shared with the coaches and players... that's what I'll never forget is how we came together so fast. We glued perfectly. It's just a great group of guys that I'll never forget."

Johnson's eligibility has expired and won't be back next season, but is confident the team will get some revenge for him after a heartbreaking finish in the final.

"I'm sure the Indians are going to put together another good team with Joe out there recruiting," he added. "They'll be right back in it next year, I'm sure of that."

The other award winners were Matt Spillman, who was named the team's playoff MVP, Hunter Owen was Rookie of the Year and won the Gold Glove, Eros Modena also won Rookie of the Year, Chad Schultz and Reilly Grose were named teammates of the year, and Zach Manley was pitcher of the year.