Capping an outstanding year that saw the Phillies return to prominence in this town, the Daily News has announced that Brad Lidge was voted Sportsman of the Year. His manager and teammates rounded out the top spots, as you might imagine following a World Series win.
He received 13 of 35 first-place votes and 133 points in a list that,
not surprisingly, was dominated by the Phillies. Manager Charlie Manuel
(12 first-place votes, 100 points), lefthander Cole Hamels (7, 93) and
first baseman Ryan Howard (26 points) rounded out the Top 4. The only
other candidates to receive first-place votes were Jamie Moyer and Pat
Burrell.
After Lidge's perfect season without a blown save, the team's juggernaut run through each playoff series, and the parade down Broad Street, maybe this award will finally help us cope with the loss of Michael Bourn, Geoff Geary, and Mike Costanzo.
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Bernard Hopkins was the top non-Phillie on the list (5th), and Dawk was the highest Eagle (6th), tying with Paul Holmgren of the Flyers. Ed Stefanski and Mo Cheeks received the only Sixers votes and came in at a five-way tie for 17th with two votes apiece.