Wests Cardinals third baseman Josh Dean was named the grand final most valuable player, while two players from clubs which struggled this season collected major awards for the 2008 Illawarra Baseball season.

Dean starred in both games in Cardinals' grand final triumph over Berkeley Eagles, to be a unanimous winner of the grand final MVP award, announced at the competition's presentation at Illawarra Leagues Club.

Dean was MVP in both games, after hitting 3/4 in game one and scoring three of the four Cardinals runs.

In game two, Dean batted 3/5 with four RBIs including a three-run homer in the seventh inning.

Cardinals won the best-of-three grand final series 2-0 and dominated the 3-2-1 voting for the outstanding players.

Cards pitcher Jamie Simon picked up points for his dominant nine innings on the mound in game one, while Blake Handley - who threw seven strong innings in game two - also picked up points.

Catcher Trent D'Antonio earned points for game two after hitting 4/5, including a key two-out, two-run homer in the second inning.

Cards centre-fielder Chase Richardson was also awarded points for his amazing diving catch in game one that turned the game in Cardinals' favour.

Meanwhile, Bulli Pirates' hard-working catcher Luke Rich was named the competition's MVP after a great season with the bat and behind the plate.

Pirates finished fourth in the five-team comp but Rich was recognised for his outstanding season.

Kiama Braves outfielder Evan Hayes was the competition's batting champion, with a .431 average. Braves finished at the bottom of the table but Hayes was still the league's best batter.

Eagles third baseman Chad Blanch won the fielding award, while Jamie Simon won the Illawarra Baseball Umpires Association award as the best and fairest player.