im Knight passed away in 2021 after a lengthy battle with cancer, but for the second year, his life was uplifted by the Helena Senators with special jerseys fit for the occasion and the presentation of the second annual Jim Knight Memorial Award.
Tyler Tenney, who was the award’s first-ever recipient, presented this year’s plaque to Walker Bennett in a pregame ceremony.
Bennett was chosen by the Helena umpire pool as “the player that best demonstrates integrity, sportsmanship, character, and Jim’s passion for the game of baseball.”
“For us to recognize [Jim] and his accomplishments and what he meant to this town and to baseball is pretty special,” Senators head coach Jon Burnett said. “Walker – there’s nobody better on this team to win that award. He’s a good competitor, plays the game with class and represents our team on and off the field.”
Despite being sidelined by an injury, Bennett was all smiles as his name was announced and he accepted the award from Tenney in front of the pitcher's mound.
“It’s really special to know that what you do every day is recognized…Knowing what Jim Knight did and what he stood for, it’s an honor to get the award,” Bennett said.
Tyler Tenney (middle) presented the second annual Jim Knight Memorial Award to current Helena Senators player Walker Bennett (far left) on Wednesday before a conference doubleheader against Missoula. Jim Knight was a leader in the Helena community and s
Helena Senators third baseman Tycen Mooney celebrates with teammates during Wednesday's conference doubleheader sweep of the Missoula Mavericks. Mooney collected two hits in each game. Gary Marshall, BMGphotos.com
Helena Senators DH Lance Bratlien doubled twice in Game 1 of Wednesday's conference doubleheader sweep of the Missoula Mavericks. Gary Marshall
Helena Senators first baseman Carter Perlinski laced two doubles to the opposite field in Game 1 of Wednesday's conference doubleheader against Missoula. Perlinski now has 18 doubles on the season, tying him for eighth all-time in program history for a
