In a year where the awards have been changed up a little once again a new award has been created - and Mark takes home the first ever Defensive Player of the Year.  Defense?  We talking about defense?  This is stickball and we're talking about defense?  Yes that's right we do play a little defense in stickball.  Mark had a phenomenal year in the field as he tried to improve his overall game with the glove.  He led the league in pop-outs with 28 and was second in the league with 26 ground-outs.  Players in the league recognized his efforts by giving him 65 out of the 80 total votes.  When asked what Mark has in store for us in 2009 he said "I want to go out and break the all-time record for most out recorded in a season.  I also want to make a run at Brandon's single season record for most pop-outs recorded.  I think defense is a little underrated, but it actually can make a big difference in the game."  Those records that Mark will be after in 2009 will be the all time most outs in a season - 80, and most pop-outs recorded - 40 - currently held by Brandon.  If he can break either one of these records he might be looking at his second strait Defensive Player of the Year award.  Although many people think that stickball is all about the offense, there's a little saying in each sport that "defense wins championships".  That held true as the Yard Dogs won their 3 Championship in the last 4 years led by Mark and his defense!

Total Votes: Mark - 65, Jason - 7, Craig - 3, Brandon - 3, Kimball - 1, Doug - 1

On Deck: Pitcher of the Year