SANFORD — The Sanford Mainers enjoyed one their most successful seasons this summer, winning the New England Collegiate Baseball League’s Northern Division and making an appearance in the league championship.

The Mainers continued to represent Sanford well last week, when manager Chris Morris was given the Joel Cooney Manager of the Year Award, and infielder Michael Landestoy received the Sportsman of the Year Award.

In his first year as manager, Morris led the Mainers to a 26-17 regular season record and a deep playoff run. Morris credited his players and coaches for his success.

“It’s a special award to win, especially with the group we had and how hard they worked all year, they listened to everything the staff said,” said Morris. “I also felt that I had two of the best assistants in the league. (Pitching coach) Tim Corey and (hitting coach) Corey Goeggelman did a phenomenal job. As a coach, everyone behind the scenes is what makes you so successful. It’s a tremendous award for this program and this team.”

Morris was also pleased to earn the respect of his fellow coaches in the NECBL.

“Of course in your first year you hope to do quite a bit right … we obviously had a tremendous year and it’s a nice award to get since other coaches are voting on it, to get that recognition is nice,” said Morris.

Another key to Sanford’s 2016 success was team chemistry, according to Morris.

“Most importantly, what this team did was have fun and I think the fans caught on to that as well. They had a good time and enjoyed being around each other and that was a huge part of our success.”

Landestoy played a key role for the Mainers – both on and off the field.

The Texas Christian University product posted a .289 batting average in 23 games for Sanford, while also driving in 13 runs. He also made appearances at all four infield positions throughout the year to provide the Mainers with great flexibility.

Morris felt that Landestoy made an equal impact in the dugout as well.

“Once Michael showed up we had a different beat to us – he’s such a contagious kid and has such a tremendous personality, it’s not a surprise that he won this award at all,” said Morris. “It was a pleasure to coach him and I think he made an everlasting impact on Sanford with the way he played the game and his impact on those around him … it was a big part of our success.”

The Mainers now look forward to the 2017 season, and hope to field a team as good as the 2016 squad.

“I hope to see a similar group. Years go by but teams stay the same, players stay the same, we hope to continue on with the same blue-collar approach we played with this year,” said Morris. “We want to show up to work and try to get better everyday, I think that recipe is a very good one for summer ball.”

— Sports Staff Writer Alex Sponseller can be reached at sports@journaltribune.com or at 282-1535 ext. 323. Follow the Journal Tribune Sports Department on Twitter @ JournalTsports.