SOUTH BEND, Ind. — University of Notre Dame left-handed pitcher John Michael Bertrand earned two of the most prestigious awards at the 2022 O.S.C.A.R.S Tuesday night at Purcell Pavilion. He won the Byron V. Kanaley Award and the Community Champion Award and is the first Irish baseball player to win both awards in the same year since left-handed pitcher Tom Thornton in 2006. He is only the second baseball player all-time to win both awards in the same year.
“Receiving these awards is an incredible honor,” said Bertrand. “I couldn’t have done it without God helping me realize baseball is what I do and not who I am. Baseball has given me a wonderful platform to glorify Him. I want to thank my family for supporting me always and my teammates and friends for inspiring me to constantly improve on and off the field.”
“JM represents all that makes Notre Dame special,” said head coach Link Jarrett. “His work ethic and dedication to his craft also is extremely special. He has been an impactful member of our team and the entire Notre Dame community since day one. His prestigious awards are well deserved and we are so proud of all he does.”
The Kanaley award is the most prestigious honor bestowed upon student-athletes and recognizes senior monogram winners who are the most exemplary as student-athletes and leaders and the award winners were selected by University’s Faculty Board on Athletics. Bertrand is the first Irish baseball player to win the award since 2011 when right-handed pitcher Cole Johnson was given the award.
The Community Champion award recognizes individuals who made significant contributions to the university community and the community at large this past year. The last Irish baseball player to win the Community Champion award was shortstop Tommy Chase in 2012.
Bertrand and the Irish will be back on the field this weekend when they welcome Boston College to Frank Eck Stadium. The three-game series gets underway Friday at 5 p.m. ET. Admission is free for all fans this season at Frank Eck Stadium.
—ND—