Baseball Announces 2024 Awards Banquet

PHOENIX - The triumphant return of the Sun Devil Baseball Awards Banquet Presented by the Biddulph Family, designed to showcase and honor the best ASU Baseball has to offer, will take place May 19 at 6 p.m. AZT, hosted at the Tempe Mission Palms in the heart of the Mill Avenue District.
 
To register and learn about award sponsorship opportunities, click here.
 
Occurring immediately following the end of the regular season and prior to the second annual Pac-12 Baseball Tournament in Scottsdale, the postseason banquet is returns for its second-straight year after a brief hiatus for a couple of seasons. Last year's event was a sold-out affair in from of 300 fans, generous donors, staff and administrators.
 
"This is an incredible event not only for our student-athletes, but for our program and its rich history," said Head Coach Willie Bloomquist. "Receiving the MVP as a student-athlete here was one of the biggest honors in my playing career. I've made it a personal responsibility to impart the history of Sun Devil Baseball on my teams and I'm grateful we have the banquet returning."
 
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A total of 12 awards will be presented to ASU student-athletes for their hard work and dedication both on and off the diamond in the 2024 campaign. 
 
"The return of the Sun Devil Baseball Awards banquet last May was a huge success, and we look forward to another great evening with our fans this May," said Executive Sr. Associate AD Graham Rossini. "The banquet is the perfect setting to showcase our baseball program's rich history while celebrating some of the best performances from the 2024 season. We're so grateful for the continued support from many longtime fans and donors, especially the Biddulph Family, for sponsoring this marquee event once again."
 
The event is Sun Devil Baseball's signature fundraising event, with all proceeds going to the Sun Devil Club in support of baseball's Summer School Scholarships, Nutrition and Technology needs. The event will feature guest speakers from the baseball program and athletic department, a team autograph session and a meal. A silent auction will include baseball and Arizona State memorabilia alongside unique restaurant and recreational experiences.
 
Casey Myers Academic Award
The award is named after the 2000 & 2001 Johnny Bench National Catcher of the Year Finalist, and 2000 & 2001 Verizon Academic All-American of the Year. It is presented to a student-athlete that represents outstanding performances on the field and in the classroom.
 
Phil Lowery Comeback Player Award
A highly decorated left-handed pitcher on the 1998 College World Series National Runner-Up Sun Devil Baseball team, Lowery battled a series of arm injuries early in his career to return to an elite level before being drafted by the Miami Marlins.
 
Alvin Davis Leadership Award
Named for Mr. Mariner, Sun Devil Athletics Hall of Famer and member of the 1981 National Champions, the honor is given to a Sun Devil Baseball student-athlete that exemplifies leadership of the highest level.
 
Jim Henderson Courage Award
The first-ever tribute award given by Sun Devil Baseball, the recognition was introduced in 1994 and named after Jim Henderson. A letterwinner for Arizona State, he recovered from a life-threatening auto accident in his first year of Minor League Baseball and continued to a very successful business career.
 
Newcomer of the Year
The honor is given to a Sun Devil that made the most powerful contributions in his first year with the program. It can be given to a true-freshman or a transfer student-athlete.
 
Mr. Fireman
Given in the same tone as the award at the Major League level, Mr. Fireman is awarded to the most dominant arm out of the Sun Devil Baseball bullpen during the 2023 season.
 
Outstanding Offensive Player
The Outstanding Offensive player not only will have produced the gaudiest statistics in the batter's box, but he will have changed the approach of the opposition's pitching, allowing his teammates better chances at success.
 
Outstanding Defensive Player
Flashing the leather is indispensable to elite results, and the Sun Devil that takes home this award will have impacted the outcome of many games with his glove.
 
Pitcher of the Year
The Conference of Champions requires big-time pitchers with an elite arsenal and a stomach capable of handling the most uncomfortable situations. The Pitcher of the Year for Sun Devil Baseball will be presented to the program's most trusted arm.
 
Jim Brock – Mr. Sun Devil Award
Named for the legendary and late Dr. Jim Brock, the award is presented to the student-athlete who best exemplifies the attitude and character expected of a Sun Devil Baseball Player.
 
Bobby Winkles Award
Named for the architect of Sun Devil Baseball and member of the inaugural College Baseball Hall of Fame class (2006), the award is presented to a member of the baseball program who excels both on the field and in the classroom while simultaneously demonstrating exceptional leadership and character.
 
On Deck Circle MVP
The top award presented by Sun Devil Baseball, the inaugural On Deck Circle MVP Award was presented to Barry Bonds in 1985; other notable award recipients include MLB players Mike Benjamin, Mike Kelly, Paul Lo Duca, Jacob Cruz, Willie Bloomquist, Dustin Pedroia, Tuffy Gosewisch, Brett Wallace, Ike Davis, Mike Leake, Brady Rodgers, Ryan Burr, Spencer Torkelson and alst year's winner, Luke Keaschall.
 
To find out more information regarding the banquet, its proceedings, or with any questions, please reach out to Sun Devil Baseball Director of Operations, Dan Jaffe at dfjaffe@asu.edu.