Bobby Murcer, Survivor

The Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) held its' 85th annual dinner last night, and though many awards were handed out, the Milton Richman "You Gotta Have Heart" Award may have proved the biggest hit of the night. The award was given to our main man, Bobby Murcer, Yankees great, broadcaster, and more importantly, cancer survivor.

It was a little over a year ago that Bobby's life suddenly was turned upside down. Complaining about severe headaches, Bobby went to the doctor to get it checked out. An MRI showed a malignant brain tumor. But aggressive treatment and an incredibly positive attitude have helped him to survive.

"The reason I'm here tonight is because of all your love for me. That's what's sustained me and that's what's given me the strength to be here tonight and to fight this deadly disease."

New Yankees manager Joe Girardi presented the award.

"Bobby, you've inspired us with all the hits and the great catches," Girardi said, "but you've never inspired us more than with the way you live your life."

Keep on keepin' on, Bobby!!!

Johnny Damon received the Joan Payson Award for excellence in community service for his work with the Wounded Warrior Project. The association works to help soldiers are who injured in the line of duty. Army Capt. Tony Odierno, who lost his left arm in Iraq, was one of the presenters. Damon was quite moved by the award.

"I'm not that emotional of a person," Damon said, pausing several times to compose himself. "But for the freedoms that we have, we all should pay more attention to a gentleman like Tony who goes out and fights for it.

"We're going to make these guys come home and live normal lives, and feel like they're a part of our country still."

Other recipients on the evening were Jimmy Rollins (NL MVP), who took a good natured shot from Mets' manager Willie Randolph - "You going to make some predictions today?", and Alex Rodriguez received the player of the year award from Yogi Berra, who may also have delivered the line of the night in true Yogi fashion. “You’re pretty good.”

Other award winners included Joba Chamberlain (Joe DiMaggio “Toast of the Town” Award), and Eric Wedge (Manager of the Year).

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