The Malta Baseball & Softball Association (MBSA) proudly hosted its 2025 Awards Ceremony, celebrating a year of growth, teamwork, and remarkable achievements. The event brought together players, coaches, families, and supporters to honour outstanding performances and milestones within the Maltese baseball and softball community.
As guests gathered, the evening began with heartfelt words of gratitude from MBSA President Andrew Bajo for the continued support of the community, players, and sponsors. A special moment of recognition was dedicated to James Spiteri and Emmanuel Buttigieg for their volunteering efforts on the Batting Cage Lighting Project — a major upgrade that now enables teams to practice at night. Their dedication and contribution were honoured with a token of appreciation.
The future of Maltese baseball took centre stage, awarding the following U.13 National Baseball League awards:
Rookie of the Year – Matteo Ciappara
Best Hitter – Tiberio Monti
Best Fielder – Kole Bartolo
Best Pitcher – Amy Summer Elliott
Most Valuable Player – Cody Tabone
This was followed by honouring the Pat Pace Academy, launched to nurture the next generation of players and marking a significant step in youth baseball development. The Academy’s inaugural season saw young athletes excel both locally and abroad — including a victorious performance in Anzio, Italy. A heartfelt thank you was extended to Anne Marie Pace, who generously sponsored all awards and tokens for this year’s Academy. She was presented with the very first keepsake token from the inaugural edition. Academy director Kevin Spiteri then presented this year’s Pat Pace Academy awards as follows:
Most Dedicated Player – Liam Brincat
Most Improved Player – Yazmine Cauchi Vassallo
Best Hitter – Amy Summer Elliott
Best Fielder – Lucia Zang
Best Pitcher – Cody Tabone
Most Valuable Player – Samuel Moreno
MBSA proceeded to highlight 3 major events within the adult baseball and softball leagues. Firstly, the 2024 Women’s National Team were recognized for their outstanding performance at the 2024 European Softball Championship. The team secured three international victories out of seven games — their best result to date — propelling Malta to 42nd place out of 63 countries in the world rankings. Secondly, the 2nd Edition of the Slowpitch Cup saw five international teams compete alongside Malta Heat, who proudly finished as runners-up. Finally, the 2025 Malta Baseball Cup featured two local and two international teams, with both Maltese teams reaching the finals.
The evening continued by MBSA Vice President Chuck Micallef presenting the awards for the National Slowpitch League as follows:
Rookie of the Year – Julian Bezzina
Best Hitter – Jorge Acosta
Best Fielder – Andrés Susarra
Most Valuable Player – Masashi Suzuki
These were then followed by presenting the awards for the National Baseball League as follows:
Ray Bartolo Award – Andrés Susarra
Pat Pace Award – Gabriel Di Sabatino
Best Fielder – Matt Borg
Best Pitcher – Henry Wang
Most Valuable Player – Andrés Susarra
Last but certainly not least, MBSA awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award to Mr. Mario Debono. Debono’s journey began in 1993 with the Mustangs, where he helped secure three league championships. In 1998, he founded the Gozo Tornadoes Baseball Club, guiding them to their first league victory in 2001. That same year, he became President of the MBSA, serving for 16 years. Under his leadership, national teams represented Malta internationally, and baseball was introduced into schools such as Verdala and Stella Maris. He also fostered collaboration with the Italian Baseball Federation, opening pathways for Maltese players to compete in the Italian league. Even after his presidency, Mario continued to contribute as a Technical Commissioner for the World Baseball & Softball Confederation and played a key role in hosting the Technical Commissioners Congress in Malta last year.
MBSA extends its heartfelt thanks to its sponsors for their continued partnership and generosity that have helped the MBSA continue to grow and inspire future generations of players in Malta:
Andolfi Roberto Vetrerie • Balluta Bar • 360 Food Imports • One80 Kitchen and Lounge • Piscopo Gardens • BootyVal Community • The Orchard Restaurant • Revive Physio and Aquatic Center • JMP