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Polk County junior Gunnar Alm earned the Tony Causby Player of the Year Award at Saturday’s 2nd Annual Blue Ridge Hot Stove League Baseball Awards Dinner.

The Hot Stove League Dinner recognizes top baseball and softball players and scholars. Originating in Charlotte more than decade ago, the Blue Ridge Hot Stove League includes counties Alexander, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey.

Alm shared the award with Tuscola standout Amos Rich.

Alm was named the Mountain Foothills 7 Conference Offensive Player of the Year last season after hitting .408 with seven home runs and 23 RBI. He scored 36 runs and stole 25 bases in helping lead Polk County to the second round of the state 1A playoffs.

Five other Polk County athletes were nominated for awards at the dinner:

 

Baseball

 

• Karson Scruggs, Gamer of the Year
• Nate Fagan, Youth Player of the Year

 

Softball

 

• Junie Mitchell, Rising Star Award
• Elizabeth Vitale, Catcher of the Year
• Sarah Vitale, Pitcher of the Year