Major League Baseball

Lucchino, Joyce, Washington feted by Boston BBWAA

Published Jan. 21, 2011 3:32 a.m. ET

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Red Sox president and CEO Larry Lucchino, who guided the ballclub through two World Series championships and the renovation of Fenway Park, was honored Thursday by the Boston baseball writers with the Judge Emil Fuchs Award for long and meritorious service to the sport.

The award has been given since 1959 to recipients such as Hank Aaron, Marvin Miller and Ernie Harwell by Boston chapter of the Baseball Writers of America. It was presented to Lucchino, who also ran the Orioles and Padres, at the chapter's annual dinner in front of a crowd of more than 600.

Lucchino noted that he had much in common with Fuchs, a lawyer who became a baseball executive. But the former Boston Braves owner also managed the team in 1929.

''So,'' Lucchino said to Red Sox manager Terry Francona, ''perhaps you should watch your back this season if ever you see me trying on a uniform.''

The Boston BBWAA named its New England player of the year award after former Pawtucket Red Sox owner Ben Mondor, who died in October. It was given to Minnesota Twins pitcher Carl Pavano.

Others honored included:

-Umpire Jim Joyce, who was given a special achievement award for his ''candor and courage'' in admitting he blew the call on what should have been the final out of Tigers' pitcher Armando Galarraga's perfect game.

-Tampa Bay right-hander Joaquin Benoit, who returned from a torn right rotator cuff, won the 21st annual Tony Conigliaro Award for overcoming adversity.

-Ron Washington of the Rangers was the chapter's manager of the year after leading Texas to the first World Series appearance in franchise history.

-Brian Sabean of the San Francisco Giants was the chapter's 2010 Executive of the Year. A New Hampshire native, Sabean assembled the team's first world championship since 1954. He was also won the chapter's executive of the year award in 1997.

-Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton was the winner of the Boston BBWAA's Ted Williams Award as baseball's top hitter for the second time in three seasons. He hit .359 with 32 home runs and 100 RBIs while leading the Rangers to the World Series.

-Adrian Beltre earned the Thomas A. Yawkey Award as Boston's most valuable player. He led the Red Sox with a .321 average, 49 doubles and 102 RBIs while also hitting 28 homers and making his first career All-Star game.

Red Sox outfielder Darnell McDonald, who won the Jackie Jensen Hustle award, noted that he was signed to his first pro contract by John Green, the Los Angeles Dodgers scout whose 9-year-old daughter, Christina, was killed in the Tucson shooting rampage that left six dead and 13 more injured, including U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords.

''I just ask that you have their family and all of the victims in your prayers,'' McDonald said.

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