Players, managers and executives receive their fair share of recognition each season. But what about the fans?
The most important part of the game -- you -- should be cheered, too. That is why Major League Baseball has stepped up to the plate to honor the inaugural MLB Fans of the Year presented by Esurance.
Nominees from all 30 Major League clubs will be featured on MLB.com/awards through Monday at 2 p.m. ET -- with winners to be unveiled an hour later at 3 p.m.
Vote NOW for the MLB Brewers Fan of the Year presented by Esurance
Winners whose clubs reach the League Championship Series or Fall Classic will receive tickets to root for the home team on a late-October night. As for the top fans whose teams fall short of the sport's semifinals? Have no fear, as there's always next year (and free tickets to an April 2017 game of their choice).
Major League Baseball and the 30 clubs worked tirelessly to identify the sport's top supporters. But, after great debate, the following Brewers fans were chosen from among a long list of deserving candidates:
• Ian and Kelly Forbes: The Forbeses are Brewers season-ticket holders who rarely miss a game at Miller Park and travel to watch the club on the road.
• Tyler Webb: Webb got his name on a concession item at Miller Park, after proposing a new way for the Brewers to serve a classic ballpark snack.
• Lori Schneider: A fixture at Miller Park since 2009, Schneider has attended so many games that she's become friends with hitting coach Darnell Coles.
• Kim Kasperek: Season-ticket holder Kasperek takes pictures with every Brewers player she can and is a big supporter of the team on social media.
The MLB Fans of the Year presented by Esurance program represents the "first inning" of the Esurance MLB Awards, which honor greatness in Major League Baseball and serve as the grand finale of the game's awards season. Esurance MLB Awards voting will run from 3 p.m. CT on Monday to 1 p.m. CT on Nov. 11 and include nominees in 19 categories -- from Best Major Leaguer to Best Social Media Post to Best MLB Interview.
Media, front-office personnel, retired MLB players, the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) and fans will determine the most #AwardWorthy players and moments from 2016. The MLB Awards winners will be announced Friday, Nov. 18, live on MLB.com and MLB Network.