Dierkes Award

The Dierkes Award is the highest individual honor in Oak Park Bronco Baseball. Established in 1996, the award is named after Vince Dierkes, the founder of OPYBS and one of the most influential figures in our community's baseball/softball history.

In 1949, Vince Dierkes started OPYBS and built a program that has helped serve generations of Oak Park families. Bronco championships have been played at Ridgeland Commons for over 75 years and his vision for affordable community based baseball and softball has created opportunities for thousands of young athletes to learn the game, develop lifelong friendships, families to connect, and experiences that make our community program so special.

The Dierkes Award is voted on by the Bronco coaches and presented annually to the player who best exemplifies excellence both on and off the field. While athletic performance is certainly considered, it also recognizes sportsmanship, leadership, character, teamwork, respect for the game, and a commitment to making those around them better.

The Dierkes Award honors the player who best represents that tradition and carries forward the values that Vince Dierkes believed were at the heart of our community baseball & softball program.