Hunter Pence named Good Guy Award Winner by Philadelphia Sports Writers Association
Phillies right fielder Hunter Pence has added another accolade to a distinguished season. The 2011 All-Star outfielder has been chosen to receive the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association Good Guy award, it was announced by PSWA president Rich Westcott.
He'll be honored at the PSWA’s 108th annual Sports Awards Dinner on Monday, January 30, 2012 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, on Route 70 in Cherry Hill, NJ.
It was quite a year for Pence, acquired midway through the season from Houston. The Texas native helped lead the Phils to a franchise record 102 wins and the National League East crown, hitting .314, good enough for fourth overall in the NL. Pence also finished fourth in the league in doubles with 38 two-baggers and saw his first-ever postseason action, as well as quickly becoming a Philly fan favorite in a short period of time.
Pence joins Elton Brand (last year) and Willie Green of the Sixers, Sheldon Brown of the Eagles and Danny Briere of the Flyers as recent Good Guy Athlete award winners.
He also joins an outstanding lineup at this year's awards dinner, including Flyers center Claude Giroux (Pro Athlete of the Year) and Villanova cross country star Shelia Reid (Outstanding Amateur Athlete). The Phillies will be honored as the Team of the Year, and both Phillies manager Charlie Manuel and Flyers coach Peter Laviolette will be in attendance. Other awards, including Living Legend, Native Son and Humanitarian of the Year, among others, will be announced in coming weeks, as will a couple of memorable surprise presentations and some “Special Achievement” awards. The most coveted award—Most Courageous—is kept secret until the night of the dinner.
Comedian Joe Conklin will also perform at the dinner, the oldest continuing sports awards banquet in the nation.
Tickets for the dinner at $95 apiece are available online at www.PSWA.org, or by sending a check payable to PSWA, c/o Robbie Kenney, Ticket Chairman, 110 Harrogate Drive., Lumberton, NJ 08048. Fans can also friend PSWA on Facebook. Doors to the banquet open at 5 P.M. with the dinner starting promptly at 6:30 P.M.