Bryan leads one of the best defenses in police softball
The defensive Schmidt is also a big threat at the plate and he was in strong consideration for our Player of the Year Award.
When it comes to defense, HardCor attracts it like no other team in the nation. This is only the sixth year this award has been in effect and four of the winners has played for HardCor at one time or another. This year it is Bryan Schmidt bringing home the hardware. Schmidt plays shortstop for HardCor who is one of the top police teams in the nation. Hardcor won World Series V and they come into World Series IX as one of the favorites to reach the final game. At World Series V HardCor was known as a complete team with lockdown defense. This year is no different. Leading that defense is Bryan "Schmitty" Schmidt.
When it comes to defense, the tall, athletic Schmidt, plays very much like the style of MLB Hall of Famer Cal Ripken. He has great hands, a canon of an arm and he plays like the game slows down for him. Mentally, he never makes a bad decision and when you play HardCor, you are always aware of where he is on the field.
Besides loving his natural talent, Schmidt's teammates love the fact that he works on his game and does not merely rely on natural talent. Schmidt always shows up early for BP and warm up sessions and can always be seen staying loose and ready in between games. The old saying that the harder you work, the luckier you are, surely applies to Schmidt. Although many love softball for offense, if you truly want to see some skill and be entertained, plant yourself at a HardCor game during World Series IX and you will not be disappointed.
Congratulations to Bryan Schmidt for being named our 2013 West Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Schmidt joins an illustrious list of players who have received this recognition.
PAST WINNERS INCLUDE:
2008 Nate Baez - SoCal Alliance
2009 Jason Hart - Hard-Cor
2010 Chris Enriquez - West Coast Aftershock
2011 Quintin Lewis – WestCoast Aftershock
2012 AJ Biama - Concord
NOTE: Special thanks to the Sacramento County Deputy Sheriff's Association for sponsoring this award.
