Northwest Missouri State University baseball player Chester Brooks was named the 2025 Ban Johnson League Defensive Player of the Year at the annual awards banquet held at the Overland Park Marriott.

Brooks, a native of Smithville, Mo., played shortstop for Regal Plastic. He committed only three errors in 86 total chances for a 0.965 fielding percentage.

"He was Mr. Reliable," Regal Plastic manager Clint Culbertson said. "Chester made outs and made difficult plays look routine."

Brooks is set to be a junior this season for the Bearcats. Brooks has made only two errors in his collegiate career in 99 chances. He has also hit .301 in 58 career games as a Bearcat. Brooks has tallied 53 hits, 44 runs, five homers, 29 RBI, 24 walks and six stolen bases in his first two seasons at Northwest.

Ban Johnson is Kansas City's summer collegiate baseball league. Founded in 1927, the league features area college players on twelve teams that play at Creekside Baseball Complex in Parkville, Mo. A highlight of each season is the annual All-Star Game hosted by the Royals at Kauffman Stadium. David Cone, Rick Sutcliffe, Blake Treinen and Carter Jensen are among Ban Johnson alums that progressed to MLB careers.