USA Baseball Announces 2025 Organizational Award Winners
CARY, N.C. – USA Baseball has made headlines by announcing its esteemed organizational award winners for 2025, taking a moment to recognize the exceptional talents and dedicated individuals shaping the sport. Among the standout names is Coleman Borthwick, who secured a historic double win by becoming the first player ever to receive both the Richard W. “Dick” Case Player of the Year Award and the International Performance of the Year Award. His remarkable journey with the 18U National Team culminated in a world title, making this a year to remember.
Coleman Borthwick: A Stellar Performance
Borthwick emerged as a true superstar during the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup in Okinawa, Japan. Not only did he help lead Team USA to victory, but his statistics were nothing short of impressive: he maintained an immaculate 0.00 ERA over 10 innings pitched, while also batting .300 with six runs scored and five RBIs. During the tournament, he became a pitching anchor as well as a reliable hitter. His contributions ranged from throwing the first complete game shutout in the championship against Japan to claiming the Tournament MVP title. His performance indeed set the bar high, showcasing unparalleled skills both on the mound and at the plate.
Coaching Excellence: Rick Eckstein
Adding another layer to Team USA’s success, Rick Eckstein was recognized as the Rod Dedeaux Coach of the Year for the second year in a row. His exceptional leadership helped the 18U National Team secure its 11th world title, finishing the tournament with an 8-1 record. Under his coaching, the U.S. dominated offensively, leading the tournament in hits, runs, and on-base percentage. Eckstein’s coaching prowess not only shone with the 18U squad but also extended into the Women’s National Team Development Program, marking him as a versatile leader in the baseball community.
Exemplary Contributions from Staff
The accolades didn’t stop there. Brad Penny, a fixture on the coaching staff as the pitching coach, received the “Doc” Counsilman Science Award for integrating scientific data into his coaching methods. His innovative strategies led the pitching staff to achieve record-breaking stats, boasting an extraordinarily low ERA and showcasing the effectiveness of modern data usage in training sessions.
Casey Scott was honored as the Developmental Coach of the Year after guiding the 15U National Team to gold at the WBSC U-15 Pan American Championship. His commitment to player development shone through as he equipped his players with essential skills for their future endeavors in baseball.
Teams and Individual Recognitions
The 12U National Team has been awarded Team of the Year, marking their third consecutive world title at the WBSC U-12 Baseball World Cup in Taiwan. Their impressive tournament record of 8-1 underscores the depth of talent in youth baseball and emphasizes the developmental pipeline in the USA Baseball ecosystem.
Volunteer efforts also received their due recognition, as Rick Delia was named Volunteer Coach of the Year. His long-standing dedication to the Miracle League of the Triangle has positively impacted countless players, making the game accessible to individuals with special needs.
Achievements in Education and Support
Kirk Champion earned the title of Coach Educator of the Year. His wide-ranging involvement in various national team programs reflects his commitment to elevating coaching standards. Champion’s expertise provided invaluable insights to hundreds of players, enhancing their readiness for competitive play.
In the realm of athletic support, Aldo Plata was recognized as Service Provider of the Year for his role as a certified athletic trainer, ensuring that the Collegiate National Team remained in peak physical condition throughout their rigorous schedule in Japan.
Lastly, Wehiwa Aloy of the University of Arkansas was awarded the prestigious Golden Spikes Award. His stellar performance in the collegiate season not only solidified his place as one of the top amateur players but also contributed to his successful major league draft placement.
Celebrating a Year of Success and Growth
CEO/Executive Director Paul Seiler spoke about the significance of these awards in celebrating the collective achievements of athletes, coaches, and staff. The successes garnered by USA Baseball in 2025, including three gold medals and two world championships, highlight the ongoing evolution of baseball in the U.S. As the organization gears up for the future, it stands firm in its commitment to nurturing talent and expanding the reach of the game.