Wesley Medford

Wes Medford personifies what this league is all about, and in particular, what the Jim Smith Award represents.  And that is, in a word, a good balance--a balance between competitiveness and good sportsmanship, a balance between being a team leader and a good teammate, and a balance between being a good player and respecting the game.

While Wes may not maximize any one of these qualities individually, he most certainly optimizes all of them.  Mistakenly underestimate his easygoing demeanor for a lack of drive at your own peril.  Whether at games or practice, he works on all aspects of the game both offensively and defensively; the total package approach to the game. 

In addition to being a five-tool player, Wes can be counted on to fill in running the bases for others or playing whatever position in the field that is needed that night to help out the team.  No whining about getting to bat in a certain place in the order or not getting to play his favorite position in the field.  Wes understands the concept of team and willingly does what he can to play his best as well as do whatever he can to make the team better.  And he does it all with the grace and equanimity that characterizes his personality.

He certainly also leads and manages by example.  Not so much a "win one for the Gipper" and win at all costs approach, but instead a quiet, confident balance that makes winning or losing  simply a part of playing the game, while at the same time expecting and demanding only your best, which is the exact same standard he sets for himself.  And that is what makes Wes a great representative for our league and a worthy recipient of the Jim Smith award.

Nominated by John Adams