All-Star J.T. Realmuto PSWA Athlete of the Year
Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto put together a standout season his first year in Philadelphia, slugging 25 homers, making the National League All-Star team and winning a Gold Glove for the first time in his career. He can add another accolade – Realmuto has been chosen as the PSWA Outstanding Pro Athlete of the Year. Realmuto will speak at the 116th Annual Philadelphia Sports Writers Association Banquet on Monday January 20th, 2020. It takes place at the Crowne Plaza Cherry Hill and is open to the public. Tickets are available here.
Realmuto, acquired in a trade with Miami before the 2019 season, excelled in his first season as a Phil, hitting .275 and knocking in 83 runs. He set numerous career highs, including homers, doubles (36), runs scored (92) and RBIs. Realmuto joined Johnny Bench and Jorge Posada as the only three catchers in history with 90 runs, 35 doubles and 25 home runs in a season. The catcher also enjoyed a stellar defensive season, throwing out 37 would-be base stealers, 15 more than any other catcher. Major League Baseball has named Realmuto a Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Award recipient emblematic of being the top offensive and defensive catcher in the National League.
Realmuto will join his new skipper, incoming Phillies manager Joe Girardi, at the event — making one of his first public appearances as skipper of the team. The public is encouraged to come out and have dinner with Girardi, Realmuto and the rest of the PSWA honorees, including coach Jay Wright of the Villanova Wildcats, this year being honored with the association’s Good Guy Award; former Eagle Connor Barwin (Ed Snider Distinguished Humanitarian); and the Stanley Cup champion St. Louis Blues (Team of the Year), represented by their coach, former Flyers player and coach Craig Berube. More honorees will be announced soon.
You can be there as well. The PSWA Awards Dinner is the longest-running event of its kind in the U.S. 2020 marks the 116th annual. Click here for the latest information.