LAMBTON'S MURRAY NAMED OCAA MALE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR

TORONTO - The Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) is proud to announce that Kale Murray of Lambton College has been named its 2024-25 Male Rookie of the Year. Murray is a two-way player for the Lambton Lions men's baseball team that made a positive impact on both sides of the ball.

Murray (Mitchell) debuted on Sept. 8 and threw 111 pitches over a complete eight innings of work in a 7-4 win over Fanshawe, striking out six Falcons. Murray's first OCAA hit came later that same day, a double, as the designated hitter also drew a bases loaded walk in a 15-9 victory for a sweep of a doubleheader.

The following game on Sept. 14, Murray recorded three hits, including another double, in Lambton's 6-5 win over Sheridan. Murray would go on to record three hits in a game two more times in 2024. Murray, who played infield when not pitching or DH-ing, ended the regular season with a .400 batting average, leading the OCAA with 24 runs batted in.

Murray returned to the mound on Sept. 15, blanking George Brown over five innings for another complete game 14-0 victory. Murray threw five complete games during the regular season, all victories. Third among all pitchers with a 2.80 earned run average and throwing a league-high 35 innings pitched, Murray was honoured as the men's baseball OCAA Rookie of the Year, an OCAA League Second-Team All-Star and headlined the OCAA All-Rookie Team.

More importantly, Murray helped the Lambton Lions achieve their first-ever winning season on the OCAA circuit. The Lions went 12-6, good for third place in the final standings.

On to the OCAA championships hosted by Lambton, Murray took to the mound for a sudden-death qualifying game against Fanshawe on Oct. 17. Pitching a complete seven innings, Murray allowed only two earned runs on five hits and three walks, striking out one. At the plate, Murray went 2-for-3 with a walk, a run and an RBI as the Lions won their post-season debut 5-3.

The following day, Murray scored twice and knocked in a run on a base hit as the Lions defeated Durham 8-6, securing Lambton's first-ever OCAA medal. In a rematch the next day, Murray again took to the mound and pitched a masterpiece, shutting out the Lords over a complete seven innings of work, giving up just three hits while striking out four. At the plate, Murray went 2-for-3, driving in two runs and scoring once as Lambton advanced to the gold medal game with a 7-0 win.

Facing perennial OCAA favourite St. Clair, Murray pitched another 2 1/3 innings, allowing an earned run on three hits and a walk, striking out two Saints. Murray contributed another hit, and scored another run, but the Lions ultimately lost 4-2 to the now four-time OCAA champions. But for Lambton, there was a silver lining with a silver medal finish.

The recognition continued for Murray, being named an OCAA Championship All-Star. Murray earned an OCAA All-Academic Award and OCAA Academic & Athletic Achievement Award for the fall semester, earning honours in the Border Services program. Murray was named Lambton's Male Rookie of the Year along with winning three men's baseball team awards, including Pitcher of the Year, Rookie of the Year and co-Most Valuable Player.

2024-25 OCAA MAJOR AWARDS

Apr. 8 - Matthew Ferreira, Athletic Administrator of the Year
Apr. 9 - Betty Calic, Coach of the Year
Apr. 10 - Payton Jones & Kale Murray, Rookies of the Year
Apr. 11 - Athletes of the Year

- OCAA -

ABOUT ONTARIO COLLEGES ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

For over 50 years, the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association has been a dedicated leader in amateur athletics through the provision of quality varsity and recreational athletic opportunities at the collegiate level.

For additional information please contact:
Josh Bell-Webster
Marketing and Communications
Ontario Colleges Athletic Association
Tel: 416-426-7041
E-mail: bell-webster@ocaa.com