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 White Sox 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 White Sox fans were chosen among a long list of deserving candidates:
Jake Banas: Banas is a 13-year-old who has developed a deep passion for the game of baseball -- and, more specifically, the White Sox.
Lydia Moore: Moore is one of the White Sox most fervent supporters on social media, and she has an especially strong fondness for Adam Eaton.
Laura Williams: With her near-600-game attendance streak in peril due to medical bills, Williams was given season tickets by the Sox and Eaton.
Darnell Cantave: The 9-year-old cancer patient is a big White Sox fan who had his wish granted when he met his favorite player, Chris Sale.
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 Sept. 19 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.