NewsBailey honored by Philly sportswriters
A's rookie closer winner of Native Son AwardBy Ed Eagle / MLB.com
11/15/09 9:08 AM EST
A's rookie closer Andrew Bailey has been selected as the winner of the Philadelphia Sportswriters Association's Native Son Award.
Bailey, who went 6-3 with a 1.84 ERA and 26 saves in 68 games with Oakland and was named to the American League All-Star team, is a native of Haddon Heights, N.J. He will be honored at a banquet on Feb. 1.
Past winners of the award, which originated in 1991, include big leaguers Mike Piazza, Jamie Moyer and Bobby Higginson, football stars Eddie George, Rich Gannon and Troy Vincent, and professional basketball players Cuttino Mobley and Dawn Staley.
"It's a great honor to be mentioned with those athletes," Bailey told the Philadelphia Inquirer.
The honors could continue for the 25-year-old Bailey on Monday, as he is a strong contender to win the AL Rookie of the Year Award.
"A lot of candidates are deserving, and it's just great to be in consideration," said Bailey.
Ed Eagle is a reporter and producer for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
