© Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Buster Posey may have to clear some extra space in his trophy room.
Every year, MLB teams can nominate one representative for the “Hutch Award,” given in honor of the late Fred Hutchinson, a former pitcher and manager who died of lung cancer at 45 years old. The award is given to a player who “exemplifies the fighting spirit” of Hutchinson. The honor — awarded to MLB legends Mickey Mantle, Sandy Koufax, Carl Yastrzemski, and Pete Rose — was created in 1965, one year after Hutchinson died.
The Giants have nominated Posey. Oakland Athletics outfielder Stephen Piscotty is also up for the award.
Presenting this year's #HutchAward nominees!
⚾@KoleCalhoun, @Angels
⚾@MattCarp13, @Cardinals
⚾@FlashGJr, @Mariners
⚾Brock Holt, @RedSox
⚾Ian Kennedy, @Royals
⚾Stephen Piscotty, @Athletics
⚾@BusterPosey, @SFGiants
⚾@JTaillon19, @Pirates
⚾Edinson Volquez, @Rangers @mlb pic.twitter.com/vXp4rlri7a— Fred Hutch (@fredhutch) April 9, 2019
Below is Posey’s bio on the award’s website.
“Throughout his 10 years playing for the San Francisco Giants, Buster Posey has established himself not only as a premier catcher in Major League Baseball, but also as an ambassador for the game. Off the field, Buster has focused his philanthropic efforts on supporting pediatric cancer awareness and research through the establishment of The Buster & Kristen Posey Fund in April 2016. In just over three years, the Poseys have raised more than $3 million for the Posey Family Research Grant and Fellowship Programs. The Poseys also continue to partner with the Giants and Major League Baseball during the annual Pediatric Cancer Awareness Day at Oracle Park. The five-time All-Star, four-time Silver Slugger, Gold Glover, and three-time World Series Champion has made his mark on baseball with his performance and leadership on the field, but his dedication to his community truly defines the person he is both on and off the field.”