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OmahaBaseball · 11-22-2025, 10:57 PM

A Crop of Northwest League Sluggers Earn Platinum Stick Honors

A mix of established standouts and rising talents were recognized today as the Northwest League announced its 2024 Platinum Stick Award winners, celebrating the league’s top offensive performers at each position.

Hillsboro’s Christian Cerda claimed the catching honor after posting a .255/.431/.367 line with 5 homers and a 116 wRC+, showcasing elite on-base skills. His teammate LuJames Groover III earned the award at first base, batting .309 with 12 home runs and a 133 wRC+. Everett second baseman Colt Emerson turned in one of the league’s most complete offensive seasons, hitting .296/.395/.521 with 20 homers and 4.8 WAR. At third, Spokane’s Connor Kaiser delivered a strong .251/.421/.484 performance marked by 11 home runs and a 140 wRC+.

Spokane shortstop Ryan Ritterproduced one of the league’s signature seasons, slugging 41 homers with 105 RBI and a 6.4 WAR to take his position’s award. In left field, Everett’s Lazaro Montes mashed 35 homers and put up a robust 171 wRC+, while Spokane center fielder Benny Montgomery paired 29 homers with 20 steals and 114 runs scored in a dynamic campaign worth 6.7 WAR. Hillsboro’s Kristian Robinson captured the right field honor after belting 37 homers and slugging .556. Rounding out the group was Spokane designated hitter Bryant Betancourt, who hit .294 with a 127 wRC+ in 401 at-bats.

Together, the selections highlight a banner year for offense across the Northwest League, with several award winners positioning themselves as top prospects to watch in 2025.

11-22-2025, 10:57 PM	#484
OmahaBaseball Hall Of Famer Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Home of the College World Series! Posts: 3,922	A Crop of Northwest League Sluggers Earn Platinum Stick Honors A mix of established standouts and rising talents were recognized today as the Northwest League announced its 2024 Platinum Stick Award winners, celebrating the league’s top offensive performers at each position. Hillsboro’s *Christian Cerda* claimed the catching honor after posting a .255/.431/.367 line with 5 homers and a 116 wRC+, showcasing elite on-base skills. His teammate *LuJames Groover III* earned the award at first base, batting .309 with 12 home runs and a 133 wRC+. Everett second baseman *Colt Emerson* turned in one of the league’s most complete offensive seasons, hitting .296/.395/.521 with 20 homers and 4.8 WAR. At third, Spokane’s *Connor Kaiser* delivered a strong .251/.421/.484 performance marked by 11 home runs and a 140 wRC+. Spokane shortstop *Ryan Ritterproduced one of the league’s signature seasons, slugging 41 homers with 105 RBI and a 6.4 WAR to take his position’s award. In left field, Everett’s* *Lazaro Montes* mashed 35 homers and put up a robust 171 wRC+, while Spokane center fielder *Benny Montgomery* paired 29 homers with 20 steals and 114 runs scored in a dynamic campaign worth 6.7 WAR. Hillsboro’s *Kristian Robinson* captured the right field honor after belting 37 homers and slugging .556. Rounding out the group was Spokane designated hitter *Bryant Betancourt*, who hit .294 with a 127 wRC+ in 401 at-bats. Together, the selections highlight a banner year for offense across the Northwest League, with several award winners positioning themselves as top prospects to watch in 2025. __________________ Life is Good!