Adelaide Bite’s German pitcher Markus Solbach wins Australian Baseball League MVP

Adelaide Bite pitcher Markus Solbach has capped a record-breaking season and a Major League return by claiming the Australian Baseball League’s MVP.

Adelaide Bite’s German pitcher Markus Solbach has won the Australian Baseball League MVP. Picture: Ryan Schembri/SMP Images

Adelaide Bite pitcher Markus Solbach has capped a record-breaking season and a Major League return by claiming the Australian Baseball League’s MVP.

The German on Thursday became just the third player from the SA club to receive the Helms Award, after collecting the most strikeouts in a game and a campaign in franchise history.

Solbach, whose standout displays also earned him a contract with six-time World Series winner LA Dodgers, said the prize was the pinnacle of his professional career.

“It’s such an honour to win this award and I can’t even describe how special it is to me,” said Solbach, who tied for the MVP with Perth veteran Tim Kennelly.

“There were a lot of outstanding players in the ABL this year and most of them were position players.

“But pitching is a vital part of the game and we work hard every day to go out and give our team a chance to win, so it’s awesome seeing this kind of recognition.

“This is the first MVP award I’ve ever won so it will always mean the most to me.”

Solbach, 27, arrived in SA last year, having previously played for Melbourne (2011/12) and Sydney (2014/15).

The 196cm right-hander excelled as a starter, recording an earned run average of 1.10 and a club-high 74 strikeouts.

He grabbed 14 of those scalps in a 3-0 victory over Perth Heat in November, eclipsing Ryo Koura’s previous mark for the most prolific individual performance by a Bite pitcher.

Solbach’s hot form did not go unnoticed as he signed a deal with the Dodgers in January, three years on from his last MLB stint with Arizona Diamondbacks.

“My main target was to get back into affiliated baseball and I told (Bite manager) Chris Adamson that before the season,” said Solbach, who had started Spring training in the US.

“I tried to set a goal that I can’t control so I have something to work for every day and I’m so happy it worked out.

“My main goal is to make one of the higher teams in the (Minor League) system.

Markus Solbach collected a club record 74 strikeouts this past season with Adelaide Bite. Picture: Ryan Schembri/SMP Images

“I’m exited to go out and prove myself to the coaches here and show them what I am capable of.”

Solbach followed former Adelaide players Aaron Miller (2015) and James McOwen (2011) in claiming Australian baseball’s highest domestic honour.

He was also named the league’s best pitcher and his club’s MVP, ahead of returning to the Bite next season.

“The Bite are a great organisation and the staff was outstanding.

“Everybody treated me as a professional and with respect, so it didn’t take me long to think about re-signing.

“I know we fell short of the playoffs this season, but with a core of players and young talent we can make a difference next season.”

Adelaide shortstop Mikey Reynolds also shared the ABL’s batting champion award with Kennelly.

The US import, who had also re-signed for next summer, averaged .366 from 28 games, racking up 37 hits and 22 runs.