Opinion: Baseball is losing its entertainment value. It’s time to change the rules

This is worth reading from George Will.

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Opinion by

George F. Will

Columnist

July 9, 2021|Updated July 9, 2021 at 5:17 p.m. EDT

Even if you belong in the basket of deplorables — Americans uninterested in baseball — you should be intrigued by the sport’s current problems. At the all-star break, Major League Baseball’s 2021 season is demonstrating, redundantly, that the quality of the game as entertainment is declining. Paradoxically, the problems arise from reasonable behavior based on abundant accurate information.

Improved technology generates data about pitches’ spin rates, the launch angles of batters’ swings, particular batters’ tendencies on particular pitches and much more. Improved kinesiology increases pitching velocity. The results include a slower pace of play, diminished action, fewer balls in play and more of them handled by radically repositioned infielders.

Five seasons ago, there were 3,294 more hits than strikeouts. Three seasons ago, strikeouts edged past hits. Writer Jayson Stark notes that until 2018 there had never been a month with more strikeouts than hits. This April there were almost 1,100 more strikeouts than hits, and writer Tyler Kepner says this season is on a pace for approximately 5,000 more strikeouts than hits. Twenty-four percent of plate appearances end in strikeouts (they are increasing for the 16th consecutive season, partly because today’s average fastball’s velocity is 93.8 mph, 2.7 mph more than 14 years ago. As of mid-June, the .238 collective major league batting average was 15 points below 2019. In 2015, teams shifted infielders on 9.6 percent of all pitches. This season, teams are shifting on 32 percent (usually an infielder in shallow right field), which will erase perhaps 600 hits.

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With pitchers dawdling to recover between high-exertion, high-velocity pitches and with 36 percent of at-bats ending with home runs, strikeouts or walks, around four minutes pass, on average, between balls put in play. Players spend much more time with leather on their hands than with wood in their hands, but have fewer and fewer opportunities to display their athleticism as fielders. Home runs predominate because scoring by hitting a ball far over defensive shifts is more likely than hitting three singles, through shifts, off someone throwing 98 mph fastballs and 90 mph secondary pitches. This means fewer baserunners. In 2021, there probably will be 1,000 fewer stolen bases than 10 years ago.

Writer Tom Verducci notes that in the last 26 minutes of 2020’s most-watched game, the final World Series game, just two balls were put in play. In this game, the ball was put in play every 6.5 minutes, and half the outs were strikeouts.

More pitches and less contact. Longer games (13 minutes 17 seconds longer than a decade ago) and less action. No wonder fans who have been neurologically rewired by their digital devices’ speeds are seeking other entertainments. Major league attendance has fallen 14 percent from its 2007 peak.

Last season, MLB made an action-creating change — a runner is placed on second base to begin each extra half-inning. And MLB is experimenting with other changes in various minor leagues.

Because pitching velocity is suffocating offense, MLB could move the pitcher’s mound back a foot (from today’s 60 feet six inches) to give batters more reaction time. The changed physiology of pitchers has, in effect, moved the mound closer to home plate: In the 1950s, the Yankee’s 5-foot 10-inch Whitey Ford had a Hall of Fame career. Today, 6-foot 4-inch pitchers, with long arms and long strides, release the ball significantly closer to the plate than Ford did.

Requiring four infielders to be on the infield dirt — or, even bolder, requiring two infielders to be on the dirt on each side of second base — as the pitch is thrown, would reduce reliance on home runs, which are four seconds of action, followed by a leisurely 360-foot trot. A 20-second pitch clock might reduce velocity by reducing pitchers’ between-pitches recovery time. And by quickening baseball’s tempo, the clock might prevent batters from wandering away from the batter’s box and ruminating between pitches. Stolen bases might increase if pitchers had to step off the rubber before throwing to first base. After a walk and then a steal, one single would produce a score.

Baseball fans, a temperamentally conservative tribe, viscerally oppose de jure changes to their game. They must, however, acknowledge the damage done to it by this century’s cumulatively momentous de facto changes in the way it is played. What Edmund Burke said of states is pertinent: “A state without the means of some change is without the means of its conservation.”

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Henry Clay Eulogy

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Read by Larry Litwin on behalf of the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association at Henry Clay’s funeral on July 7.

First I’d like to acknowledge your late pastor Reverend Britt Stargell. I miss his advice, counsel and friendship.

When I got the call last Saturday, the news of Henry’s passing hit me like a brick. I couldn’t sleep Saturday night. Like all of you, I am broken hearted. BUT, I am an optimist and continue to be – because Henry is in a better place.

Where do I start? How about at the beginning…when we first met – where else, but in a press box? This one…during a Phillies’ game at the Vet.

What kind of person was Henry Clay? Let me read from an email colleague Phil Neuman sent me soon after hearing of Henry’s passing: Phil speaks for many of us…

        “This IS sad news,” wrote Phil. He said Henry was very good to him…especially when he first started in Philly back in the mid-80s. It was Henry who showed Phil how things worked in South Philly…little things like where to plug in his microphone during post-game news conferences and what rooms were used for other interviews.

        Phil remembers there were a number of times he had problems…a broken tape recorder or his microphone went bad … or he may have missed an interview because he was interviewing someone else. He said Henry would hang around and make sure Phil had what he needed…all stuff he didn’t HAVE to do….but just helped out anyway. Phil speaks for all of us when he says…Henry WILL be missed by plenty of people.

        My early memories of Henry are similar. While Phil met Henry in the 80s, I go back even further – to the late 70s. A few years later, I was one of his sponsors to join the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association. His membership goes back nearly four decades. I will miss Henry because of his regular emails – containing information about Philadelphia media…and the Sports Writers Association.

        Before the days of email, it would be a Henry Clay phone call…just to assure I was in the know and wasn’t caught by surprise when changes were happening in radio, TV or in print.

Here are a couple of recent examples:

  • He was the first to tell me about the Philly Journalism Institute getting millions in new donations assuring The Inquirer would be around for years.
  • He wrote a mail telling me to “Be careful with PayPal. There’s a scam going on and HE – Henry, didn’t want the Sports Writers to lose any money because of the scam.
  • He wrote about Dawn Staley – South Carolina’s women’s basketball coach: He suggested, she’s got to be at next year’s banquet. Wrote Henry: I nominate Dawn Staley who just added another chapter in her unbelievable life as a basketball player, leading the South Carolina Lady Gamecocks to their first NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship. Getting her here will be difficult, he said, as they will be in the middle of conference play again. Just a thought, he said, she will be coaching in the USBA Basketball Season, this summer, but, she always comes into Philly for a girl’s summer league game no matter what she is doing. Maybe if she were chosen for the award, the presentation and speech could be pre-taped and shown at the banquet. If, she could be flown up here the night of the banquet and right back, I would think the ticket sales she would generate would offset a major part of the cost.
  • That was Henry – always thinking – not about himself – but of others.
  • He would mail me or call when one of the Sports Writers previous award winners was a guest on ESPN or another channel – or was interviewed on the radio and mentioned the Sports Writers Association and was among the first to call me when our colleague Frank Bertucci passed away unexpectedly. Henry would always say, “I just want to be sure YOU know so you can mass mail all the members.”
  • And: almost monthly, Henry would email me the Philadelphia radio ratings just so I could stay on top of the industry we love so much.

Henry – whose 73rd birthday would have been Aug. 19th –  spent years covering Philly sports…and thinking back to Phil Neuman’s experience…and mine, too, he certainly touched a lot of people – the athletes, writers and students who wanted to do what Henry did – cover the games we grew up playing and watching. There is no doubt in my mind, Henry – who faced personal challenges over years…as did many of us…  made a difference in this world and helped make it a better place for all of us. As we who are Jewish say of those who have passed: May Henry Clay forever be a BLESSED Memory.

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Bill Campbell — The voice may have been silenced, but it lives on thanks to technology

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The Voice of Philadelphia Sports has been silenced. This is a sad day for the Litwins. I have lost an incredible mentor whom I met back in the early 50s when I visited the Robin Roberts Show at Channel 10. Mr. Campbell — as I called him — took a few minutes after the first show I attended, and answered every question that 7-year-old had. Yes, I already knew I wanted to be in radio and I loved listening to Bill Campbell on the radio and watching him on WCAU-TV. He made sure I met my pitching idol, personally. Over the years, I was fortunate enough to stay in touch and eventually that casual relationship grew into an incredible friendship — especially when he was on the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association Board of Governors. Thanks to Bill, I became friends with my beloved Robbie, too — No. 36. He often reminded me of that.

Bill’s passing has left a void in so many lives. He taught me so much — especially how to call football play-by-play (although baseball was my favorite sport) and an unmatched work ethic. He stressed preparation, preparation preparation and writing writing writing. He told me to become a good writer one must be an avid reader. Advice I tell my students and advice I keep with me every single day. “Soupy” was and remains a GIANT among giants. His legacy will live on for generations.

May Bill and Jo Campbell be a Blessed memory.

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Taney Dragons named Sports Writers’ “Team of the Year”

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Add another major award to Philadelphia’s Taney Dragons, United States Runners-Up in the 2014 Little League World Series.

             The Dragons have been named “Team of the Year” by the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association (PSWA). Manager Alex Rice, his coaching staff and all team members will be honored at PSWA’s annual awards dinner (open to the public) on Friday, Jan. 16, 2015 at Cherry Hill’s (N.J.) Crowne Plaza – sharing the spotlight with some of the best current and past professional and collegiate athletes from Philadelphia and the nation.

             “Taney’s accomplishments transcend sports,” says PSWA president Ron Corbin. “They were chosen for representing Philadelphia and the region, and because the organization’s approach is a textbook example of what sports – and especially youth sports – are all about.”

             Taney’s website says it all: “Help teach the values of good sportsmanship, teamwork, fair play, loyalty and discipline. And remember, you are here to have fun, too.”

             Taney will be forever engraved on the same plaque as previous “Teams of the Year” the Phillies, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and New York City Heroes of 9/11.

             This year, for the first time, PSWA will join with Philadelphia-Area colleges and universities through the PhillySIDA (Sports Information Directors Association) honoring the All-Area Student-Athlete Team and a Performer of the Year in each of the sports. An overall male and female performer are also chosen.

             Other awards presented annually include Outstanding Professional and Amateur Athletes, Living Legend, Native Son, Humanitarian, Good Guy and one of the nation’s most recognized awards Most Courageous Athlete – kept secret until it is presented. It is presented to an amateur or professional who was able to return to his or her sport after a serious injury or other set back.

           The 2015 PSWA Dinner marks the 111th for the organization founded in 1904. Those honored over the years include Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Stan Musial, Reggie Jackson, Joe DiMaggio, Muhammad Ali,  Robin Roberts, Wilt Chamberlain, Guy Rodgers, Julius Erving, Chuck Bednarik, Brad Lidge, Roy Halladay, Cole Hamels, Kathy Rush, Carli Lloyd, Elena Delle Donne, Lois Gilmore, Nicole Hester, Sheila Reid, Kristen Lange, Tommy John, Terry-Jo Myers and others.

             The PSWA Dinner is open to the public. Tickets are available at www.pswadinner.org.

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Workplace productivity killers – but first…

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This week’s blog is a potpourri. Watching last week’s baseball Hall of Fame ceremonies was inspirational. Here are just a couple of quotes. Tony LaRussa of the cardinals said he always preached, “team, tenacity and toughness.”

The Braves’ Tom Glavine thanked his parents for “setting the example” he and his siblings followed and for giving him as much time as he needed – getting him where he had to go so he could learn and play the game.
 
Joe Torre of the Yankees, Braves and Cardinals stressed to his players “It is not just ability, but also character and unselfishness.” He said he never hesitated to make phone calls on players’ behalf. “When people know your name they return your phone calls,” he said. Like LaRussa, Torre would tell his players it is about “chasing your dreams and putting the team above yourself. It takes patience and persistence.” Torre still tells young players something Hall of Famer, the late Tony Gwynn once told him: “All I ever tried to do was play the game the right way.”

There was so much more, but these highlights stood out.

Transitioning to workplace productivity, CareerBuilder lists these 10 “productivity killers”:

  • Cellphone and texting
  • Gossip
  • Internet surfing
  • Snack breaks or smoke breaks
  • Noisy co-workers
  • Meetings
  • Email
  • Co-workers dropping by
  • Co-workers putting calls on speaker phone

Nearly 75 percent of employers are taking efforts to address productivity killers in the workplace. They include:

  • Blocking certain Internet site
  • Limiting meetings
  • Monitoring emails and Internet usage
  • Restricting use of speaker phones if not is an office with a door
  • Prohibit personal calls and cellphones

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Tickets still available

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The 110th annual Philadelphia Sports Writers Association awards banquet is set for Jan. 27 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Route 70 in Cherry Hill. Ticket information and lots more is at www.PSWADinner.com.

Honorees

Philadelphia Pro Athlete: Danny Garcia, undefeated light-welterweight champion.National Pro Athlete: LeSean McCoy, Eagles running back.

Native Son: Bo Ryan, Wisconsin head men’s basketball coach.

Living Legend: Bill Barber, former Flyers forward.

Good Guy Athlete: Jason Avant, Eagles wide receiver.

Team of the Year: Boston Red Sox

Amateur Athlete: Rondell White, West Chester University running back.

Lifetime Achievement: Bernard Hopkins, light-heavyweight champion.

Ed Snider Lifetime Distinguished Humanitarian: Jim Murray, former Eagles general manager and founder of the first Ronald McDonald House.

Penn Relays Frank Dolson Award: Emily Lipari, Villanova

Army-Navy Game MVP: Keenan Reynolds, Navy quarterback

Special Commemoration: 1974 Stanley Cup champion Flyers

Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/20140117_Award_Winners_at_Writers_Dinner.html#qTXr5LWIfQO8Jr4r.99

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Oldest Sports Writers Association in the United States to Hold 110th Annual Awards Banquet January 27

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Oldest Sports Writers Association in the United States to Hold 110th Annual Awards Banquet January 27

For 109 years, The Philadelphia Sports Writers Association has recognized the accomplishments and character of the athletes we cheer for when they’re wearing their uniform, and we benefit from when they contribute to the community.

And this year is no different.

On Monday, January 27, the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association will hold their 110th Annual Awards Banquet at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Route 70 in Cherry Hill, NJ. The banquet, which is open to the public, opens its doors at 5:00 pm. Tickets are $95.00 per person and can be purchased at www.PSWADinner.com.

As usual, the dais will host some of the biggest names in sports, some of whom will be receiving awards (see the lists below) and others who have accepted invitations to be honored guests of the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association, such as Phillies General Manager Ruben Amaro Jr., Phillies skipper Ryne Sandberg, Phillies third baseman Cody Asche, La Salle University Men’s Basketball coach Dr. John Giannini, University of Pennsylvania Men’s Basketball coach Jerome Allen and former Philadelphia Union defender Chris Albright. Adding his humor and multiple impersonations to the night’s festivities will be banquet staple local radio personality and comedian Joe Conklin.

2014 Philadelphia Sports Writers Association Traditional Award Winners:

*Philadelphia Pro Athlete – Danny Garcia (Light welterweight boxer: Undefeated light Welterweight Champion )

*Outstanding National Pro Athlete: LeSean McCoy (Philadelphia Eagles running back)

*Native Son: Bo Ryan (head coach of the University of Wisconsin–Madison Badgers men’s basketball team)

*Living Legend: Bill Barber (former Philadelphia Flyers forward)

*Athlete Good Guy: Jason Avant (Philadelphia Eagles receiver)

*Team of the Year: Boston Red Sox

*Amateur Athlete: Rondell White (West Chester University running back)

*Lifetime Achievement Award: Bernard Hopkins (Middleweight Boxer: multi champion/belt holder)                                                           (MORE)

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*Ed Snider Lifetime Distinguished Humanitarian: Jim Murray (former Philadelphia Eagles general manager, founder of the Eagles Fly for Leukemia campaign, founder of first Ronald McDonald House)

*Penn Relays Frank Dolson Award: Emily Lipari (Villanova University) 

*Army/Navy Game MVP: Keenan Reynolds (Navy quarterback)

*1973 & 1974 Stanley Cup Commemoration: Bernie Parent & Bob Clarke (former Philadelphia Flyers goalie and former Philadelphia Flyers captain)

2014 Philadelphia Sports Writers Association Special Achievement Award Winners:

*Wayne Hardin (Temple University & Naval Academy football coach, College Football Hall of Fame inductee)

*Tim Van Liew (Rutgers-Camden track & field: javelin)

*Denise Dillon (Head Coach, Drexel University Women’s basketball)

* Jay Greenberg (Philadelphia Flyers beat writer, Hockey Hall of Fame inductee)

*Eastern High School Field Hockey (14 straight N.J. State Field Hockey championships and this year won N.J. Tournament of Champions)

 2014 Philadelphia Sports Writers Association Honored Guests:

*Lou Guzzi (PGA Teacher of the Year)

*Carolyn Gray (Philadelphia & Boston Marathon runner)

*Brandon Matthews (Temple University golfer)

*Michael Mills (University of Pennsylvania fencer)

*Alfredo Santana (La Salle University men’s track)

* John Robertson (Villanova University quarterback)

*Mo Hawkins (St. Joseph’s University women’s soccer)

*Ken Tribbet (Drexel University men’s soccer)

*Kristen Blye (Philadelphia University women’s basketball)

*Marcelin Withler (Rowan University running back)

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More Philly Sports Writers awards announced

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Former Temple football coach Wayne Hardin and West Chester All-American

running back Rondell White added to honorees at PSWA’s 2104 dinner

 

For immediate release

Contact: John Weber 267-408-7500

 

Add two more distinguished Philly-area sports figures to the growing list of honorees at this year’s Philadelphia Sports Writers Association dinner, January 27th at the Crowne Plaza in Cherry Hill, NJ. Those purchasing tickets for the event ($95 at PSWA.org) will see former Temple and Navy coach Wayne Hardin, recently inducted in the College Football Hall of Fame, receive a Special Achievement award.  And West Chester running back Rondell White, the leading rusher in Golden Ram history and a member of the first team AP Little All-America squad, will be honored with Amateur Athlete of the Year.

Hardin, after a successful career as Navy coach where he coached Heisman winners Roger Staubach and Joe Bellino, took the Midshipmen to two bowl games and beat Army five straight games, moved on to lead Temple in 1970.  Hardin became the program’s all-time leader in wins with 80 victories between 1970-82.  His 1979 Owls team finished 10-2 in 1979, still a school record for wins in a season, was ranked 17th by both major polls and, as an underdog, beat California in the Garden State Bowl.  Hardin’s teams set a Temple record of 14 straight wins (eight in 1973 and six in 1974). He was honored as the 1974 Kodak District II Coach of the Year. He produced numerous All-Americans and NCAA statistical leaders at Temple. Hardin was inducted into Temple’s Hall of Fame in 1994 and was added to the College Football Hall of Fame in May.

Rondell White of the Division II West Chester Golden Rams has concluded a senior year which saw him become the school’s all-time leader in rushing and all-purpose yards. White amassed 4,336 rushing yards, 41 rushing TDs and rushed for 100 yards in a game 19 times including seven games over 200 yards.  He totaled more than 4,000 yards rushing, 2,000 yards receiving and 1,000 yards in returns to become just the second player ever in NCAA history at any level to do that (the first was Eagles and Villanova great Brian Westbrook).   His 2013 campaign totals: 1,989 rushing yards, 843 receiving yards and 275 return yards, totaling 3,107 all-purpose yards.

Hardin and White join a growing list of sports figures honored at this year’s dinner, including Eagles wide receiver Jason Avant; former Philadelphia Flyers’ player and coach  Bill Barber (Living Legend); Denise Dillon, Drexel University’s women’s basketball coach (Special Achievement); Navy quarterback and MVP of the 2013 Army/Navy game Keenan Reynolds; members of the Philadelphia Flyers ’73-’74 Stanley Cup-winning team; former Eagles General Manager and Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House Founder Jim Murray; Wisconsin basketball coach Bo Ryan from Chester, Pa.; and dozens more.  Phillies General Manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. and Manager Ryne Sandberg will attend and will be seated on the dais.

As mentioned previously, tickets are available for $95 now through PSWA.org.

In addition, the Association has partnered with the Philadelphia branch of Coaches vs. Cancer, who will have a presence at this year’s dinner. Coaches vs. Cancer of Philadelphia is part of the national program created in 1993 by the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches, and leverages the strength, community leadership and popularity of our country’s college basketball coaches to fight cancer. Since its inception, the Coaches vs. Cancer program has raised more than $87 million nationwide to support the Society’s lifesaving cancer research, education, advocacy, and community service efforts.

To learn more about Coaches vs. Cancer, visit http://www.cancer.org/involved/participate/coachesvscancer

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Eagles’ Jason Avant, Flyers’ Bill Barber and others confirmed for Philadelphia Sports Writers Association 2014 dinner

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Jason Avant, Philadelphia Eagles

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The Philadelphia Sports Writers Association announced today that Eagles veteran wide receiver, Jason Avant, will attend the organization’s 2014 dinner on Jan. 27 to receive the “Good Guy” award for his collaboration with the media. This annual event will be held at the Crowne Plaza in Cherry Hill, N.J. CLICK HERE to buy tickets.

Jason Avant was drafted by the Eagles in 2006 and is a staple among the team’s wide receivers. He has nearly 300 career receptions and 3,500 yards.

In addition to recognizing Avant, former Philadelphia Flyers’ player and coach, Bill Barber, will be at the dinner to accept the “Living Legend” award. Barber played 12 seasons with the Flyers and was a leader on the team in ’74 and ’75, when the Flyers won the franchise’s two Stanley Cups. He is currently a scout for the team.

The Association is adding two impressive college sports celebrities to its list of award recipients for the 2014 dinner, too. Denise Dillon, Drexel University’s women’s basketball coach will accept a “Special Achievement” award for leading her team to win the 2013 Women’s National Invitation Tournament.

In college football, Navy quarterback and MVP of the Army/Navy game, Keenan Reynolds, will be in attendance and honored for leading his team to a 12th straight win over Army, where he ran for 136 yards and scored three touchdowns.. He has scored 176 points this season – a school record.

“We’re thrilled to be able to bring these stellar athletes to our guests, where those in attendance will get to see and hear these celebrities in a more personal setting,” said Philadelphia Sports Writers Association President Ron Corbin.

This year’s award recipients will also include representatives from the Philadelphia Flyers ’73-’74 Stanley Cup-winning team; former Eagles General Manager and Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House Founder Jim Murray; Phillies’ General Manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. and Manager Ryne Sandberg; Wisconsin basketball coach Bo Ryan from Chester, Pa.; as well as dozens of other sports celebrities. Tickets are available for $95 by CLICKING HERE.

In addition, the Association has partnered with the Philadelphia branch of Coaches vs. Cancer, who will have a presence at this year’s dinner. Coaches vs. Cancer of Philadelphia is part of the national program created in 1993 by the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches, and leverages the strength, community leadership and popularity of our country’s college basketball coaches to fight cancer. Since its inception, the Coaches vs. Cancer program has raised more than $87 million nationwide to support the Society’s lifesaving cancer research, education, advocacy, and community service efforts.
To learn more about Coaches vs. Cancer, CLICK HERE.

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Eagles’ Jason Avant, Flyers’ Bill Barber and others confirmed for Philadelphia Sports Writers Association 2014 dinner

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EAGLES’ JASON AVANT, FLYERS BILL BARBER AND OTHERS CONFIRMED FOR
PHILADELPHIA SPORTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION 2014 DINNER

Sports Writers to Also Honor Navy’s MVP Quarterback and Drexel’s Women’s Basketball Coach

PHILADELPHIA – Dec. 23, 2013 – The Philadelphia Sports Writers Association announced today that Eagles veteran wide receiver, Jason Avant, will attend the organization’s 2014 dinner on Jan. 27 to receive the “Good Guy” award for his collaboration with the media. This annual event will be held at the Crowne Plaza in Cherry Hill, N.J. Tickets are on sale now at PSWA.org.

Jason Avant was drafted by the eagles in 2006 and is a staple among the team’s wide receivers.  He has nearly 300 career receptions and 3,500 yards.

In addition to recognizing Avant, former Philadelphia Flyers’ player and coach, Bill Barber, will be at the dinner to accept the “Living Legend” award. Barber played 12 seasons with the Flyers and was a leader on the team in ’74 and ’75, when the Flyers won the franchise’s two Stanley Cups.  He is currently a scout for the team.

The Association is adding two impressive college sports celebrities to its list of award recipients for the 2014 dinner, too.  Denise Dillon, Drexel University’s women’s basketball coach will accept a “Special Achievement” award for leading her team to win the 2013 Women’s National Invitation Tournament.

In college football, Navy quarterback and MVP of the Army/Navy game, Keenan Reynolds, will be in attendance and honored for leading his team to a 12th straight win over Army, where he ran for 136 yards and scored three touchdowns..  He has scored 176 points this season – a school record.

“We’re thrilled to be able to bring these stellar athletes to our guests, where those in attendance will get to see and hear these celebrities in a more personal setting,” said Philadelphia Sports Writers Association President Ron Corbin.

This year’s award recipients will also include representatives from the Philadelphia Flyers ’73-’74 Stanley Cup-winning team; former Eagles General Manager and Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House Founder Jim Murray; Phillies’ General Manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. and Manager Ryne Sandberg;  Wisconsin basketball coach Bo Ryan from Chester, Pa.; as well as dozens of other sports celebrities. Tickets are available for $95 now through PSWA.org.

In addition, the Association has partnered with the Philadelphia branch of Coaches vs. Cancer, who will have a presence at this year’s dinner. Coaches vs. Cancer of Philadelphia is part of the national program created in 1993 by the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches, and leverages the strength, community leadership and popularity of our country’s college basketball coaches to fight cancer. Since its inception, the Coaches vs. Cancer program has raised more than $87 million nationwide to support the Society’s lifesaving cancer research, education, advocacy, and community service efforts.

To learn more about Coaches vs. Cancer, visit http://www.cancer.org/involved/participate/coachesvscancer.

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MEDIA CONTACT
Mike Gross
mike@hornercom.com
856-628-6169

 

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