Named after the phenom Columbia Crusaders shortstop in 1993, who batted .315 in 161 games, the Pat Listach Award has stood for excellence among first year players in the DMBL. The Listach Award first was awarded in 1998 to Nomar Garciaparra of the Phoenix Dragons, who was also the first pick in that year's draft.

This year's award goes to....

Joel Pineiro, Hoboken Cutters

The Hoboken Cutters selected the right hander with their first pick and fourth overall in the 2002 Draft. Pineiro did not disappoint. Pineiro led all rookie pitchers with 21 wins, which also tied him with Pedro Martinez for the league lead in that category. Pineiro also led all rookie pitchers in win percentage (.808). His 2.76 ERA was second to Columbia's Mark Buehrle, who led the league. Pineiro is probably best remembered for his combined no-hitter against Wanaque on March 31. Mike Matthews finished the game, which was only the third no-hitter in league history and first no-hitter involving a rookie starter. Pineiro also pitched two dominating shutouts, including a three-hitter against Carolina in July and another three-hitter against Honolulu in August to record his 20th win. Pineiro also was part of five other combined shutouts.

While Pineiro won the award, he did not receive the most first place votes. That distinction goes to Buehrle who had three first place votes. Philadelphia's slugger Albert Pujols received two first place votes and tied with Buehrle for second place in voting.

Others receiving votes are Newark's Paul Lo Duca, Honolulu's Roy Oswalt, and Ichiro Suzuki of Phoenix.

Pineiro is only the second starter to ever win the Listach Award, joining lefty Barry Zito. The all-time winners of the Listach Award: