The Players League Weekly Player Awards 6/9 - 6/15

This week in The Players League, two standout performances set the tone as the summer heats up. With electric dominance on the mound and elite production at the plate, Ty Brachbill and Mason Buck have earned Pitcher of the Week and Player of the Week honors, respectively.

Ty Brachbill – Pitcher of the Week

Ty Brachbill was nearly untouchable in his lone outing this week, putting together a performance that solidified his reputation as one of the most dominant arms in the Old North State League. The right-hander from Shelbyville, Illinois, tossed an 8-inning shutout gem, striking out an eye-popping 21 batters while allowing just three hits and no walks. Only one baserunner advanced past second base as Brachbill overwhelmed the Danville Dairy Daddies in a 9-0 Flying Pigs win.

Brachbill needed just 101 pitches—79 of them strikes—to dismantle the opposition, displaying not just power but pinpoint control. The junior now leads the league in strikeouts with 35, having yet to allow a run in 16 innings pitched this season. Opposing hitters are batting just .113 against him, and he boasts a minuscule 0.625 WHIP. Currently in the NCAA transfer portal, Brachbill is making a strong case as one of the top available arms for next season.

Mason Buck – Player of the Week

While Brachbill controlled things from the mound, Mason Buck was doing it all at the plate and on the basepaths for the Waterville Woodworkers. The senior infielder from St. Olaf College (DIII, Minnesota) posted a blistering week, going 7-for-11 at the plate and powering his team to a 4-0 record that now places them atop the GNCBL standings.

Buck was an offensive catalyst, reaching base at a .714 clip, driving in four runs, and collecting three extra-base hits, including a triple. His impact extended beyond the batter’s box—he was a perfect 6-for-6 in stolen base attempts, showing off his speed and instincts on the bases. The Woodworkers fed off Buck’s energy all week long, and he continues to be a key leader for one of the league’s most consistent teams.

With performances like these, both Brachbill and Buck are proving they’re not only stars of the week—but names to watch all summer long in The Players League.