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 11 a.m. PT -- with winners to be unveiled an hour later at noon.
Vote NOW for the MLB Angels 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 Angels fans were chosen among a long list of deserving candidates:
Steve and Zac Baker: Father-son duo Steve and Zac are Angels fans who attend games at various stadiums and chronicle their experiences on Steve's blog.
Vincent Boglino: Boglino has shown unwavering dedication to the Angels, attending more than 1,100 straight home games in the past 14 years.
Steve Sundvold: An Angels season-ticket holder for 38 years, Sundvold celebrates his wedding anniversary with his wife at Angel Stadium each April.
Robin and Sue Bleiweiss: Sisters Robin and Sue are devout fans who have had season seats at Spring Training for 25 years and regular-season tickets for 30.
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 1 p.m. on Sept. 19 to 11 a.m. 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.