Although the Wilkie Brewers may have had one of their worst records in a long time at 8-6, the team's second baseman, Nick Pernitsky, had another impressive season as he was voted the league's most valuable player.
Pernitsky bats leadoff for the Wilkie Brewers in the North Saskatchewan River Baseball League and is known around the league as one of the most difficult guys to get out at the plate or on the base paths. He batted .444 and hit two home runs during the regular season. Pernitsky added another home run in the playoffs in game two of the first round with a game-tying three-run shot in North Battleford.
Pernitsky led, or was tied, for the league lead in hits with 20, doubles with six and runs with 18.
Pernitsky becomes the third player from Wilkie since the league has chosen to once again present an MVP award. Last season, Russ Nielsen won the award and prior to that Brad Frehlich, who played with the Wilkie Midget A's, before playing with the Brewers, won the award. Both were pitchers.
Pernitsky was just one of two players nominated for the league MVP who do not pitch. The other was Mervin's Doug Bannerman.
Wilkie's Pernitsky was selected on eight of 11 ballots and received five first place votes.
Meadow Lake's Jordan Stacey and Lloydminster Junior Redhawks Landon Noyes finished second and third in voting.
The other nominees include Kevin Payne of the Lloydminster Meridian Twins, Jared Inkster of North Battleford, Cory Wildeman of Unity, Brian White of the Border City Blue Jays, Taylor Heck of Kindersley, Warren Stang of the Midwest Expos, Garry Pauls from the Standard Hill Lakers and St. Walburg's Scott Thompson.
