Category: Empire Media

Mason Collins Named 2025 Empire League Finals MVP

MALONE, N.Y. – After delivering one of the most clutch hits in Empire League history, Mason Collins has been named the 2025 Empire League Finals MVP.

Collins capped off an incredible championship series with a two-RBI walk-off single in Game 3, sealing the Malone Border Hounds’ sweep of the defending champion Tupper Lake Riverpigs. Throughout the series, the Border Hounds’ utility was a constant spark — driving in key runs, playing flawless defense, pitching and setting the tone in every at-bat.

“Mason was locked in all series,” said Border Hounds manager Jason Laflesh. “He wanted the ball in big moments, and he delivered every single time.”

With his MVP performance, Collins has cemented his name in Border Hounds and Empire League history.

Malone Border Hounds are 2025 EBL Champions

MALONE, N.Y. – The Malone Border Hounds are officially the kings of the Empire Baseball League. With a dominant 28-9 regular season record and a commanding postseason run, the Border Hounds capped off their 2025 campaign by sweeping the defending champion Tupper Lake Riverpigs in the best-of-five Championship Series.

Game 3, played before a packed and roaring Malone crowd, ended in dramatic fashion. Tied in the bottom of the ninth, utility man Mason Collins delivered the biggest swing of the season — a two-RBI walk-off single that sent teammates spilling onto the field in celebration.

The Border Hounds’ playoff dominance was a statement in itself. They never trailed in the series, combining explosive offense with airtight defense and clutch pitching to put away a Riverpigs team that had ruled the league in recent years.

The championship marks the second in franchise history for the Border Hounds and signals a power shift in the Empire League hierarchy. The Riverpigs, long considered the standard of excellence, were dethroned in decisive fashion by a team that blended veteran leadership, rising talent, and an unshakable will to win.

Michael Torniero Wins Empire League Defensive Player of the Year

When the ball was hit to center field, Michael Torniero made sure it stayed out of trouble. The Tupper Lake Riverpigs outfielder has been named the Empire League Defensive Player of the Year, a testament to his flawless play and game-changing presence in the outfield.

In 28 games, Torniero was a human highlight reel — tracking down deep drives, cutting off extra-base hits, and gunning down runners with precision. His instincts, range, and arm strength anchored the Riverpigs’ defense all season long.

2025 Defensive Stats:

  • Games Played: 28
  • Putouts: 43
  • Assists: 5
  • Errors: 0

Torniero’s perfect fielding percentage speaks volumes. Not once did he flinch under pressure or misplay a ball — an incredible feat in a league loaded with speed and power.

Whether it was diving into the gap or throwing out a runner trying to take an extra base, Torniero brought elite defense every single day. His consistency and hustle set the tone for Tupper Lake and made him one of the most respected defenders in the Empire League.

Michael Torniero didn’t just play defense — he owned the outfield.

Jose Moreno Named Empire League Pitcher of the Year

Dominance, durability, and pure swing-and-miss stuff — that’s what Jose Moreno brought to the mound in 2025. The ace right-hander has been named the Empire League Pitcher of the Year, capping off a season that showcased his elite command and competitive fire.

Pitching for the Tupper Lake Riverpigs, Moreno was the definition of a stopper — whether starting, finishing, or anything in between. He did it all, and he did it with authority.

2025 Season Stats:

  • ERA: 2.38
  • Innings Pitched: 45.1
  • Record: 3-1
  • Strikeouts: 62
  • Walks: 26
  • Hits Allowed: 32
  • Complete Games: 1
  • Saves: 1

Moreno’s ability to mix power and finesse kept hitters guessing all year. He racked up 62 strikeouts, often overpowering batters with a fastball that exploded out of his hand, then freezing them with a sharp breaking ball. His 2.38 ERA across 45.1 innings reflects just how tough he was to square up.

Whether it was his complete game gem, clutch save in relief, or his consistency every time he took the mound, Moreno proved to be the most valuable arm in the league. His performance was a key piece in North Country’s strong season and a reminder that true aces shine brightest under pressure.

With this award, Jose Moreno firmly cements himself as one of the top arms in the Empire League — and possibly, one to watch at the next level.

Roy Satoh wins Empire League MVP

The 2025 Empire League season belonged to one man — Ryo Satoh, the electrifying outfielder for the North Country Thunderbirds, who has officially been named the Empire League’s Most Valuable Player.

Satoh was nothing short of spectacular all season long, consistently delivering in the clutch and anchoring the Thunderbirds both offensively and defensively. A dynamic threat at the plate and a leader in the dugout, Satoh’s MVP honors come as no surprise to anyone who watched him dominate in 2025.

2025 Season Stats:

  • Batting Average: .364
  • Home Runs: 4
  • RBIs: 27
  • Stolen Bases: 6
  • Runs Scored: 34

Satoh ranked among the league leaders in nearly every offensive category, showcasing a rare blend of power, speed, and plate discipline. His ability to drive the ball to all fields, combined with his defensive consistency at shortstop, made him an irreplaceable piece of North Country’s success.

Thunderbirds manager praised Satoh as “the heartbeat of the team,” while fans across the league quickly grew to admire his intensity, work ethic, and love for the game.

With his MVP campaign complete, Ryo Satoh’s name is now etched into Empire League history — and his future in professional baseball looks brighter than ever.