By Leo Schaffer
Midway through the PGCBL season, the league shines a spotlight on its top talent with the announcement of the East and West Division All-Star teams. While the All-Star Game is no longer part of the festivities, earning a spot on one of these elite rosters remains a major honor—recognizing the standout players whose performance has set the tone during the first month of play.
The Amsterdam Mohawks made a strong statement in the All-Star selections, with seven players earning a well-deserved spot on the East Division roster—the highest total of any team in the division. The standout group includes three dominant pitchers and four impact fielders, each of whom has delivered in key moments all season long, helping fuel the Mohawks’ success.
One of the three pitchers representing the Mohawks is Derek Duval. A recent transfer to St. Bonaventure, Duval has proven why he is one of the best closers in the PGCBL. After making an opening day start, the righty was moved to the bullpen. Duval has one of the lowest ERA’s in the league, with a 0.44 mark. In 11 appearances, he pitched 20.2 innings, and has two wins. He also has two saves, which is tied for the most on the team. His hard work has earned him a pitcher of the week nomination in mid-june, and a well deserved spot on the all-star team.
The other two pitchers have started numerous times for Amsterdam Jersey Native Jack Kirchner has made four starts for the Mohawks and two relief appearances. He has a stellar 1.86 ERA in 19.1 innings pitched, and has himself a win. Mohawk veteran Zach Hernandez also earned a spot after making five starts for the team, along with two appearances out of the bullpen. The flamethrower has one win so far in his 20.1 innings pitched, along with an impressive 1.77 ERA.
Amsterdam had one of its three catchers secure a spot - Bray Touchstone out of Gulf Coast Community College. In a crowded catcher room, Touchstone was the best hitter with a .337 batting average, the fourth best on the entire team. He also is tied for second amongst the Mohawks in doubles with seven. He is tied for the team lead in home runs with two, and is second in RBI’s with his remarkable 22 mark.
The lone infielder selected was the jack of all trades, Chris Holacraft. The St. Bonaventure utility man has played second base, shortstop, and third base this season. He also leads the team in stolen bases, totaling 15 in his 18 attempts. Holacraft’s 8 doubles also leads the team, and his 22 walks are the second best by Mohawk players this season.
The final two players are outfielders - Jake Long and Brandon McCraine. Long has the second highest average on the Mohawks, with a .410 mark. He shares the tie with Touchstone with seven doubles as well. Long has had many memorable moments so far, including a walk-off single against Boonville.
On the other side of the outfield, McCraine has made his name in Mohawks history. He has a solid .316 average, and leads the team in RBIs with 24. The righty can hit anywhere for every category; three doubles, two triples, and two homers are to his name. Upon having numerous clutch hits so far, the Auburn slugger has already cemented himself as an all-around threat; a valuable piece in Amsterdam’s stacked lineup.
Overall, all-star selections are a unique way to recognize the immense talent around the PGCBL. Although the Mohawks lead their division in terms of nominees, that does not distract the main goal for the 2025 season - championship number four in a row.
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