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....

Eric Hosmer, Sardine City

Eric Hosmer became the first Listach Award winner to not receive a single first-place vote. Seven players each received one first-place vote, but Hosmer was named second on four of the ballots, securing the Listach.

Hosmer was first drafted by the Arkansas Golden Falcons in the 2009 Supplemental Draft (Round 4, #35th pick of the Supplemental round). Hosmer didn't survive the spring training cuts and failed to be drafted in 2010. However, Sardine City was high on the young first baseman and drafted him in the third round (#35 overall) of the 2011 draft. He spent the 2011 season in the minor leagues, but won a roster spot for the 2012 Straphangers. Hosmer lived up to the hype, hitting .287/.345/.537 (.882 OPS) with 33 2B, 26 HR, 70 R and 85 RBI. He led all rookies in SLG and OPS, and tied for the lead in HRs and extra base hits (63).

Coming in second was Blue Ridge's Jeremy Hellickson who had a solid campaign (11-10, 3.37 ERA) for the mediocre Bombers and even received a McDonald Award vote. The others receiving a first-place vote are Bridgewater's Jesus Guzman, Amityville's Lucas Duda, Newark's Al Alburquerque, Bridgewater's Brian Beachy, Rowdy's Craig Kimbrel, and Hopatcong's Josh Luebke.

Hosmer becomes the first Straphanger to win the award in franchise history.