Before I recap the banquet, I wanted to share that Arbiter is now open for blocking through August 2026. Please take a few moments at your earliest convenience and update your availability to help the association reduce turn-backs.
On Saturday, December 6th the 2025 MAC/NVBUA Annual Banquet was held at the American Legion Dyer-Gunnell Post 180 in Vienna, Virginia and I wanted to take a few moments to highlight some exceptional members of the association. As both Gary Reals and Dave Maher echoed each other on Saturday night, it’s always great to see hard working people be recognized for their efforts.
Event planning is a complicated, dark art. Thank you to everyone who put in the time and energy to assist in the planning of our banquet. Thank you to Jim Spencer and all of his staff for the superb spread of food. Thank you to all of the hosts, hostesses and staff at Post 180. Thank you to Andrew Klinger for putting together the slide show. That was a classy addition to the proceedings and I hope we see that become another tradition at future banquets.
- Most Improved Umpire – Johnny Blaeuer (Virginia)
- Most Improved Umpire – Marcus May (Virginia)
- Most Improved Umpire – Mark Booker (Maryland)
- Iron Man – Vin Vena (Virginia)
- Iron Man – Rowland Hines (Maryland)
- Iron Man (Rookie) – Dave Lutes
- Rookie of the Year – Shaan Vardan (Maryland)
- Rookie of the Year – Russell Scott (Virginia)
- Rookie of the Year – Bill Dingell (Virginia)
- Umpire of the Year – Matt Van Parys
- Trainer of the Year – Dustin Fields (Maryland)
- Trainer of the Year – Andy Simons (Virginia)
- Most Dedicated – Robert Fobian
- President’s Award – Ron Adamczyk
- President’s Award – Gary Reals
- Commissioner’s Award – Josh Cooper
- Commissioner’s Award – Sean Cassidy
- Commissioner’s Award – Dave Maher
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Jerry Park
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Tim Strutzel
The VHSL also recognized those members of the association who umpired in the 2024 state tournament. This group included: Paul Porto, Tom Russo, Dave Lawrence, John Epperson, Matt Van Parys, Anthony Mayer, Andy Simons and Norm Gordon
Once again, congratulations to all of the 2025 MAC/NVBUA award winners! And with that, we close 2025. Happy holidays to you all and thank you again, dear readers for all of your support in this action-packed relaunch year here at the Blue Crew News. Please stay tuned for announcements and information regarding the upcoming 2026 VHSL and MPSSAA high school baseball seasons.
Excelsior,
Robert Fobian
Editor, Blue Crew News
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Special Edition, December, 2025
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