Kansas City’s Ban Johnson Collegiate Baseball League announces 2024 honors

Awards and celebration took center stage on Sunday as the Ban Johnson Collegiate Baseball League convened to present annual honors to top players and teams.

Founded in 1927, the Ban Johnson league features KC-area baseball players spread across 12 teams. The collegiate athletes spend their summers playing at the Creekside Baseball Complex in Parkville.

There’s also the annual Ban Johnson All-Star Game, hosted by the Royals at Kauffman Stadium.

Among the notable league alumni who have gone on to play Major League Baseball are David Cone, Rick Sutcliffe and Frank White.

Here are this year’s award winners:

Jaidan Quinn, Creche Innovations Stars infielder: He won both the Lester Milgram Most Valuable Player and Bob Allison Offensive Player of the Year awards. Quinn’s .872 slugging percentage and 1.430 OPS were best in the league and his .447 batting average was second best. According to manager Kyle Clifton, “Jaidan is one of the most complete hitters I’ve ever coached who also is an elite fielder at the corners.” The Olathe West High grad attends Concordia University-Nebraska.

Tyler Janssen, Natural Baseball Academy outfielder: Hustle Award. According to his manager Scott Jones, “Tyler was a staple at the top of our lineup and in centerfield. His overall effort forced errors and allowed the team to have more success.” The Olathe North grad attends Barton C.C.

Aaron Lewis, BJ Raiders right-handed pitcher: Winner of the Rick Sutcliffe Pitcher of the Year award, he finished 5-0. His 1.33 ERA was the lowest in the league (his 0.76 WHIP and .136 opponent batting average were both second-best). He struck out 39 in 31.2 innings. Noted manager Jeff Williams, “He is a great competitor with supreme confidence in his ability to get hitters out.” The Liberty North grad attends Austin Peay.

Jett Buck, BJ Raiders shortstop: Award for Fielding Excellence. Noted manager Jeff Williams, “Jett made several highlight plays that were unbelievable, plus he makes all the routine plays. He has an absolute cannon for an arm.” The Liberty North grad attends Washburn.

Ban Johnson Legends: Presented the league championship trophy for the second year in a row. It’s manager Cary Lundy’s ninth league title, which makes him the winningest manager in the BJCL’s 98-year history.

Mike Grouse: Becomes the 49th inductee into the Ban Johnson Hall of Fame. Grouse, who played for Crouch Meat from 1981-84, was honored for his illustrious 36-year career as a scout for the Texas Rangers. He is best known for scouting and signing Ian Kinsler. Grouse is a graduate of Raytown South, Johnson County C.C. and Phillips University.