Seattle Mariners broadcast partner _ROOT SPORT_S will air the Hutch Award® program, with limited commercial breaks, on Wednesday, June 3, at 4:30pm (PDT). The hour-long program, which is normally a luncheon on the field at T-Mobile Park, became a virtual celebration this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program is co-hosted by long-time Seattle broadcasters Rick Rizzs and Mike Gastineau. It features a lively panel discussion with former Hutch Award winners, and former Mariners, Jamie Moyer and Raúl Ibañez, as well as former Mariners second baseman and MLB Network host Harold Reynolds, paying tribute to this year’s 55th Award winner, Mariners second baseman Dee Gordon.

Since 1965, the Hutch Award is given annually to the Major League Baseball player who best exemplifies the fighting spirit of Fred Hutchinson, the Seattle native and standout former MLB player and manager who died of cancer at the age of 45. The first Hutch Award was presented to Mickey Mantle in 1965, a year after Fred’s death. Fred’s brother, Dr. Bill Hutchinson, founded the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in 1975 in Fred’s honor.

Gordon, a two-time All-Star, Silver Slugger, hits leader and Gold Glove Award winner, was honored for his Flash of Hope program that supports survivors of domestic violence, as well as his work in impoverished communities in Africa and Latin America, and providing meals to thousands of needy families in his home community in Florida during the pandemic shutdown.

Gordon, whose father Tom was a Major League pitcher, spent time as a child around Ibañez and Moyer, who were teammates of his father. He also met Harold Reynolds once on an airplane. He recalled pestering the players for advice about becoming a professional ballplayer and admitted to “borrowing” their bats on occasion.

Reynolds, Moyer and Ibañez were tough competitors on the field and distinguished themselves with their dedication to giving back to the community. Ibañez praised Gordon for the impact he has made as a player, and a person.

“I think it speaks volumes to the character of the man and the individual and the impact on the lives that you are making on those around you. I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of this or of you as a man, a great player yes, but as a human being even greater,” said Ibañez.

The 2019 Hutch Award Luncheon at T-Mobile Park raised $575,000 for cancer research. With this year’s event being virtual, fundraising has gone online, too. Donations from views will help Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center accelerate lifesaving discoveries in cancer and infectious diseases including COVID-19. For more information, or to make a tax deductible donation, go to fredhutch.org/hutchaward/donate.