Sun Devil Baseball revived its end-of-season banquet in a big way Sunday night, hosting a sold-out crowd of nearly 300 fans, generous donors, support staff and administrators at the Tempe Mission Palms Hotel in recognition of the accomplishments of ASU's Baseball student-athletes.
The event was sponsored by the Biddulph family.
A silent auction was held from 6-8:15 p.m. and is the prime fundraiser for Sun Devil Baseball. Items included, but were not limited to, signed memorabilia from Rick Monday, a round of golf at Silverleaf Golf Club with Dustin Pedroia and dinner with Head Coach Willie Bloomquist. Over 55 items and experiences were up for grabs.
Additionally, 20 Sun Devils earned their first letter with Arizona State, joining a band of brothers that is now 936 strong to represent ASU as varsity baseball players.
Those Sun Devils are Will Armbruester, Reese Beheler, Nu'u Contrades, Khristian Curtis, Ross Dunn, Dylan Gardner, Jonah Giblin, Ryan Hanks, Luke Hill, Austin Humphres, Isaiah Jackson, Luke Keaschall, Nick McLain, Timmy Manning, Trey Newman, Owen Stevenson, Matt Tieding, Tyler Valdez, Drake Varnado and Kien Vu.
Following a team introduction where every Sun Devil was recognized and dinner was served, Arizona State handed out its prestigious 12 awards.
Casey Myers Academic Award - Presented by Jim and JoAnna Brink
ASU right-hander Tyler Meyer was honored with the Casey Myers Academic Award. Meyer has been injured for the 2023 season, but completed his degree in Business Administration this semester. He will return for the 2024 campaign.
The award is named after the 2000 & 2001 Johnny Bench National Catcher of the Year Finalist, and 2000 & 2001 Verizon Academic All-American of the Year. It is presented to a student-athlete that represents outstanding performances on the field and in the classroom.
Phill Lowery Comeback Player Award - Presented by Graham and Alison Rossini
Khristian Curtis earned the Phill Lowery Comeback Player of the Year after spending nearly three years dealing with elbow injuries, including Tommy John surgery. The right-hander has tossed 14 starts for the Sun Devils this season, striking out 58 and walking just 32 in 62.1 innings pitched. Curtis has become ASU's primary Saturday starting pitcher.
A highly decorated left-handed pitcher on the 1998 College World Series National Runner-Up Sun Devil Baseball team, Lowery battled a series of arm injuries early in his career to return to an elite level before being drafted by the Miami Marlins.
Alvin Davis Leadership Award - Presented by Dave and Bev Rasley
ASU Head Coach Willie Bloomquist has told the media on multiple occasions that if his players want to be a Major Leaguer, all they have to do is follow Luke Keaschall around for a day. Keaschall was awarded the leadership award for his tireless efforts working on his craft. As a transfer, he immediately earned the respect of those closest to him and has become a leader for Sun Devil Baseball.
Named for Mr. Mariner, Sun Devil Athletics Hall of Famer and member of the 1981 National Champions, the honor is given to a Sun Devil Baseball student-athlete that exemplifies leadership of the highest level.
Jim Henderson Courage Award - Presented by Harvey and Missy Jabara
Bronson Balholm spent three seasons at Beloit College before sniffing a chance at Arizona State. He spent most of last season on the bench, but always stayed ready when the moment was called up. With an injury behind the plate, Balholm got his opportunity and did not miss. Against No. 21 Oregon State, he was 5-10 with two runs scored, three walks and three runs scored in a massive series win for ASU, all while catching all 27 innings of action.
The first-ever tribute award given by Sun Devil Baseball, the recognition was introduced in 1994 and named after Jim Henderson. A letterwinner for Arizona State, he recovered from a life-threatening auto accident in his first year of Minor League Baseball and continued to a very successful business career.
Newcomer of the Year - Presented by Brian and Lisa Cole
As a true-freshman coming a long way from his Baton Rouge, Louisiana home, Luke Hill has made a profound impact in his first year with the Sun Devils. Hill is batting .314 with six home runs, 23 walks and 42 RBI, while assuming the role of everyday shortstop.
The honor is given to a Sun Devil that made the most powerful contributions in his first year with the program. It can be given to a true-freshman or a transfer student-athlete.
Mr. Fireman - Presented by Scott and Helen Spencer
All year for Sun Devil Baseball, the focus has been to get to the back-end of the bullpen as ASU is 22-0 when leading after eight innings. Blake Pivaroff has been a staple for Arizona State in crucial situations, allowing just 23 hits in 30 innings pitched. Opponents hit a measly .209 against Pivaroff during the 2023 regular season.
Given in the same tone as the award at the Major League level, Mr. Fireman is awarded to the most dominant arm out of the Sun Devil Baseball bullpen during the 2023 season.
Outstanding Offensive Player - Sponsored by Jeffrey Novick
As ASU's cleanup hitter, Keaschall dominated opposing pitchers this season. He was third in the nation with 23 doubles, pacing the Pac-12, and hit more than .400 in his second at-bat of games this season.
The Outstanding Offensive player not only will have produced the gaudiest statistics in the batter's box, but he will have changed the approach of the opposition's pitching, allowing his teammates better chances at success.
Outstanding Defensive Player - Presented by the Patt Family
Isaiah Jackson has been a highlight reel machine in center field, robbing multiple home runs and extra base hits as he patrolled centerfield for the Sun Devils. He had one outfield assist and just three errors, good for a .976 fielding percentage.
Pitcher of the Year - Presented by the Valley Athletic Booster Club, Represented by Club President Mike McNeal
Serving in a variety of different roles and lauded by the Sun Devil coaching staff all season, Owen Stevenson delivered, and was rewarded as the Sun Devil Pitcher of the Year. Stevenson has a 6-3 record while serving as ASU's closer with four saves. In 47.2 innings of work, he struck out 48 batters and walked just 22 in the regular season.
The Conference of Champions requires big-time pitchers with an elite arsenal and a stomach capable of handling the most uncomfortable situations. The Pitcher of the Year for Sun Devil Baseball will be presented to the program's most trusted arm.
Jim Brock – Mr. Sun Devil Award - Sponsored by Armando and Debra Flores and presented by Patsey Brock
Pride in yourself and your teammates is at the center of this award for Sun Devil Baseball and no one has exemplified that more than Ryan Campos. As a Mesa native, Campos grew up a Sun Devil fan and made it his dream to don the Maroon and Gold. Campos has reached base in a ridiculous 76-of-84 (90.4%) career games with the Sun Devils overall and all but two games this season. The two games he did not reach base were the season opener and the first game after he returned from an 11-game injury absence. Behind the plate, his absence was felt over 11 games.
Prior to the season, pitching coach Sam Peraza told local media that every pitcher on the staff felt as though Campos was their personal catcher. It is a true-testament to his work ethic and dedication to the success of everyone in the program.
Named for the legendary and late Dr. Jim Brock, the award is presented to the student-athlete who best exemplifies the attitude and character expected of a Sun Devil Baseball Player.
Bobby Winkles Award - Presented by Armando and Debra Flores
A freshman coming far from his home in Hawaii, Nu'u Contrades has dedicated himself to being an outstanding student-athlete for Sun Devil Baseball. ASU's third baseman batted .295 with 19 extra base hits and 37 RBI. He obliterated the University of Arizona in the three-game series in Tempe, Contrades was 7-14 (.500) with eight RBI, three runs scored, two doubles and two home runs in Sun Devil Baseball's sweep of the foes down south. He also plated the winning run in Saturday's series-securing victory and scored it in the series finale Sunday.
Named for the architect of Sun Devil Baseball and member of the inaugural College Baseball Hall of Fame class (2006), the award is presented to a member of the baseball program who excels both on the field and in the classroom while simultaneously demonstrating exceptional leadership and character.
On Deck Circle MVP - Sponsored by the Biddulph Family, who was represented by Brooks Biddulph Martinez and Sun Devil Baseball letterwinner and 1981 National Champion Bert Martinez
Luke Keaschall was presented as the On Deck Circle MVP, joining an illustrious list of Sun Devil Baseball greats. Keaschall has spent nearly all of the 2023 season hitting cleanup, driving in a team-high seven go-ahead knocks this season. His timely hitting, elite leadership, defensive excellence and honorable representation of the program earned him the honor.
The top award presented by Sun Devil Baseball, the inaugural On Deck Circle MVP Award was presented to Barry Bonds in 1985; other notable award recipients include MLB players Mike Benjamin, Mike Kelly, Paul Lo Duca, Jacob Cruz, Willie Bloomquist, Dustin Pedroia, Tuffy Gosewisch, Brett Wallace, Ike Davis, Mike Leake, Brady Rodgers, Ryan Burr, and Spencer Torkelson.
The event was sponsored by the Biddulph family.
A silent auction was held from 6-8:15 p.m. and is the prime fundraiser for Sun Devil Baseball. Items included, but were not limited to, signed memorabilia from Rick Monday, a round of golf at Silverleaf Golf Club with Dustin Pedroia and dinner with Head Coach Willie Bloomquist. Over 55 items and experiences were up for grabs.
Additionally, 20 Sun Devils earned their first letter with Arizona State, joining a band of brothers that is now 936 strong to represent ASU as varsity baseball players.
Those Sun Devils are Will Armbruester, Reese Beheler, Nu'u Contrades, Khristian Curtis, Ross Dunn, Dylan Gardner, Jonah Giblin, Ryan Hanks, Luke Hill, Austin Humphres, Isaiah Jackson, Luke Keaschall, Nick McLain, Timmy Manning, Trey Newman, Owen Stevenson, Matt Tieding, Tyler Valdez, Drake Varnado and Kien Vu.
Following a team introduction where every Sun Devil was recognized and dinner was served, Arizona State handed out its prestigious 12 awards.
Casey Myers Academic Award - Presented by Jim and JoAnna Brink
ASU right-hander Tyler Meyer was honored with the Casey Myers Academic Award. Meyer has been injured for the 2023 season, but completed his degree in Business Administration this semester. He will return for the 2024 campaign.
The award is named after the 2000 & 2001 Johnny Bench National Catcher of the Year Finalist, and 2000 & 2001 Verizon Academic All-American of the Year. It is presented to a student-athlete that represents outstanding performances on the field and in the classroom.
Phill Lowery Comeback Player Award - Presented by Graham and Alison Rossini
Khristian Curtis earned the Phill Lowery Comeback Player of the Year after spending nearly three years dealing with elbow injuries, including Tommy John surgery. The right-hander has tossed 14 starts for the Sun Devils this season, striking out 58 and walking just 32 in 62.1 innings pitched. Curtis has become ASU's primary Saturday starting pitcher.
A highly decorated left-handed pitcher on the 1998 College World Series National Runner-Up Sun Devil Baseball team, Lowery battled a series of arm injuries early in his career to return to an elite level before being drafted by the Miami Marlins.
Alvin Davis Leadership Award - Presented by Dave and Bev Rasley
ASU Head Coach Willie Bloomquist has told the media on multiple occasions that if his players want to be a Major Leaguer, all they have to do is follow Luke Keaschall around for a day. Keaschall was awarded the leadership award for his tireless efforts working on his craft. As a transfer, he immediately earned the respect of those closest to him and has become a leader for Sun Devil Baseball.
Named for Mr. Mariner, Sun Devil Athletics Hall of Famer and member of the 1981 National Champions, the honor is given to a Sun Devil Baseball student-athlete that exemplifies leadership of the highest level.
Jim Henderson Courage Award - Presented by Harvey and Missy Jabara
Bronson Balholm spent three seasons at Beloit College before sniffing a chance at Arizona State. He spent most of last season on the bench, but always stayed ready when the moment was called up. With an injury behind the plate, Balholm got his opportunity and did not miss. Against No. 21 Oregon State, he was 5-10 with two runs scored, three walks and three runs scored in a massive series win for ASU, all while catching all 27 innings of action.
The first-ever tribute award given by Sun Devil Baseball, the recognition was introduced in 1994 and named after Jim Henderson. A letterwinner for Arizona State, he recovered from a life-threatening auto accident in his first year of Minor League Baseball and continued to a very successful business career.
Newcomer of the Year - Presented by Brian and Lisa Cole
As a true-freshman coming a long way from his Baton Rouge, Louisiana home, Luke Hill has made a profound impact in his first year with the Sun Devils. Hill is batting .314 with six home runs, 23 walks and 42 RBI, while assuming the role of everyday shortstop.
The honor is given to a Sun Devil that made the most powerful contributions in his first year with the program. It can be given to a true-freshman or a transfer student-athlete.
Mr. Fireman - Presented by Scott and Helen Spencer
All year for Sun Devil Baseball, the focus has been to get to the back-end of the bullpen as ASU is 22-0 when leading after eight innings. Blake Pivaroff has been a staple for Arizona State in crucial situations, allowing just 23 hits in 30 innings pitched. Opponents hit a measly .209 against Pivaroff during the 2023 regular season.
Given in the same tone as the award at the Major League level, Mr. Fireman is awarded to the most dominant arm out of the Sun Devil Baseball bullpen during the 2023 season.
Outstanding Offensive Player - Sponsored by Jeffrey Novick
As ASU's cleanup hitter, Keaschall dominated opposing pitchers this season. He was third in the nation with 23 doubles, pacing the Pac-12, and hit more than .400 in his second at-bat of games this season.
The Outstanding Offensive player not only will have produced the gaudiest statistics in the batter's box, but he will have changed the approach of the opposition's pitching, allowing his teammates better chances at success.
Outstanding Defensive Player - Presented by the Patt Family
Isaiah Jackson has been a highlight reel machine in center field, robbing multiple home runs and extra base hits as he patrolled centerfield for the Sun Devils. He had one outfield assist and just three errors, good for a .976 fielding percentage.
Flashing the leather is indispensable to elite results, and the Sun Devil that takes home this award will have impacted the outcome of many games with his glove.Isaiah Jackson has been unreal in the field, I quickly put this together @ChrisKarpman @ASU_Baseball pic.twitter.com/Vmzvjvt52w
— Brian (@btgrad) April 16, 2023
Pitcher of the Year - Presented by the Valley Athletic Booster Club, Represented by Club President Mike McNeal
Serving in a variety of different roles and lauded by the Sun Devil coaching staff all season, Owen Stevenson delivered, and was rewarded as the Sun Devil Pitcher of the Year. Stevenson has a 6-3 record while serving as ASU's closer with four saves. In 47.2 innings of work, he struck out 48 batters and walked just 22 in the regular season.
The Conference of Champions requires big-time pitchers with an elite arsenal and a stomach capable of handling the most uncomfortable situations. The Pitcher of the Year for Sun Devil Baseball will be presented to the program's most trusted arm.
Jim Brock – Mr. Sun Devil Award - Sponsored by Armando and Debra Flores and presented by Patsey Brock
Pride in yourself and your teammates is at the center of this award for Sun Devil Baseball and no one has exemplified that more than Ryan Campos. As a Mesa native, Campos grew up a Sun Devil fan and made it his dream to don the Maroon and Gold. Campos has reached base in a ridiculous 76-of-84 (90.4%) career games with the Sun Devils overall and all but two games this season. The two games he did not reach base were the season opener and the first game after he returned from an 11-game injury absence. Behind the plate, his absence was felt over 11 games.
Prior to the season, pitching coach Sam Peraza told local media that every pitcher on the staff felt as though Campos was their personal catcher. It is a true-testament to his work ethic and dedication to the success of everyone in the program.
Named for the legendary and late Dr. Jim Brock, the award is presented to the student-athlete who best exemplifies the attitude and character expected of a Sun Devil Baseball Player.
Bobby Winkles Award - Presented by Armando and Debra Flores
A freshman coming far from his home in Hawaii, Nu'u Contrades has dedicated himself to being an outstanding student-athlete for Sun Devil Baseball. ASU's third baseman batted .295 with 19 extra base hits and 37 RBI. He obliterated the University of Arizona in the three-game series in Tempe, Contrades was 7-14 (.500) with eight RBI, three runs scored, two doubles and two home runs in Sun Devil Baseball's sweep of the foes down south. He also plated the winning run in Saturday's series-securing victory and scored it in the series finale Sunday.
Named for the architect of Sun Devil Baseball and member of the inaugural College Baseball Hall of Fame class (2006), the award is presented to a member of the baseball program who excels both on the field and in the classroom while simultaneously demonstrating exceptional leadership and character.
On Deck Circle MVP - Sponsored by the Biddulph Family, who was represented by Brooks Biddulph Martinez and Sun Devil Baseball letterwinner and 1981 National Champion Bert Martinez
Luke Keaschall was presented as the On Deck Circle MVP, joining an illustrious list of Sun Devil Baseball greats. Keaschall has spent nearly all of the 2023 season hitting cleanup, driving in a team-high seven go-ahead knocks this season. His timely hitting, elite leadership, defensive excellence and honorable representation of the program earned him the honor.
The top award presented by Sun Devil Baseball, the inaugural On Deck Circle MVP Award was presented to Barry Bonds in 1985; other notable award recipients include MLB players Mike Benjamin, Mike Kelly, Paul Lo Duca, Jacob Cruz, Willie Bloomquist, Dustin Pedroia, Tuffy Gosewisch, Brett Wallace, Ike Davis, Mike Leake, Brady Rodgers, Ryan Burr, and Spencer Torkelson.