I will be completely honest with y’all. I had never heard of the Hutch Award before reading the linked article tonight.
Boston Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester has been chosen as the recipient of the 2008 Hutch Award. The award is given annually in honor of former Major Leaguer Fred Hutchinson who died of cancer in 1964 at the age of 45.
The award is given annually to a Major League Baseball player who best exemplifies the honor, courage and dedication of baseball great Fred Hutchinson, both on and off the field.
“This is a tremendous honor for me and my family to have been selected for the Hutch Award,” Lester said. “I’m humbled to know that legends such as Mickey Mantle, Sandy Koufax and Lou Brock have won this award in the past.”
Lester will receive the award at a luncheon at Safeco Field on January 21, 2009.
“Congratulations to Jon Lester on the Hutch Award. Jon handled his adversity with grace and dignity,” said Red Sox Manager Terry Francona. “He is an inspiration to us all, on top of just being a really good kid.”
