Have you heard of the Oscars? How about the AVN awards...wait don't answer that. Believe it or not, some people aren't familiar with the ESPY Awards. The full name is Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards which gives a hint of its significance. It was created and broadcast by American cable television network ESPN in 1993. At one time awards were chosen variously through voting by fans; sportswriters, broadcasters, sports executives, and sports persons, collectively experts; or ESPN personalities. Now, winners have been selected online fan balloting conducted from candidates selected by the ESPY Select Nominating Committee. Here's a list of 2009 winners:
Special Awards
Arthur Ashe Courage Award: President Nelson Mandela
Jimmy V Award For Perseverance: Don Meyer, Northern State University coach
Best Comeback: Dara Torres, Olympic swimmer.
Best Female Athlete: Nastia Liukin, Gymnastics
Best Male Athlete: Michael Phelps, Olympic Swimming
Best Moment: US Swim team wins thrilling finish in Olympic relay
Best Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Best Coach/Manager: Phil Jackson, Los Angeles Lakers
Best Game: Steelers vs. Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII
Best Championship Performance: Michael Phelps, Olympic Swimming
Best Play: Roethlisberger to Holmes Super Bowl Winning TD
Best Upset: US Soccer shocks Spain in the Confederations Cup semifinals
Best Breakthrough Athlete: Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
Best Record Breaking Performance: Michael Phelps, Olympic Swimming
Best Sports Movie: The Express: The Ernie Davis Story
Best Male College Athlete: Tim Tebow, Florida Football
Best Female College Athlete: Maya Moore, Connecticut Women’s Basketball
Best Male Athlete with a Disability: Jason Lester, Ironman Triathlete
Best Female Athlete with a Disability: Erin Popovich, Swimming
Best International Male Athlete: Usain Bolt (Jamaica, Sprinter)
Best International Female Athlete: Lorena Ochoa (Mexico, Golf)
Individual Sports
Best Baseball Player: Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals
Best NBA Player: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Best WNBA Player: Candace Parker, Los Angeles Sparks
Best NFL Player: Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals
Best NHL Player: Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
Best MLS Player: Landon Donovan, Los Angeles Galaxy
I had a mini-tantrum on this blog about LeBron not shaking hands after the NBA Championship. The bottom line --- he's still a phenomenal player. He didn't get a championship ring but it's nice to see him getting recognized for THAT. Sportsmanship is a two way street. I can't sit all pompous behind a computer while athletes are competing. That's like five grown men sitting in the woods with high powered rifles shooting Bambi and calling it a sport. Sometimes people have to get off their ass and do the right thing. Here's my salute to all the ESPY recipients. Well done!!!
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I enjoyed the blog and all the stats that you posted with it as well. I've always heard about the Espy's but never have the desire to turn it on the TV. While reading through some of the awards, I was shocked on some of the categories along with how many they actually give out. It was a very good read.
ReplyDeletei agreed with paul and what he had to say. Like him i have never watched them on tv either but i have heard about them. You always have a little thing at the end of your articles which are very intriguing to read. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteI love the ESPY awards. It gives athletes a chance to get recognized for their sportsmanship and their great performances. I watched it this past year and I loved it. If you guys ever get a chnce to watch this awards show, it is definitely worth the time.
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