Kershaw 1st Player To Win 3 Players Choice Awards In 1 Season
NEW YORK (CBSLA.com) — Clayton Kershaw's 2014 may not have carried him deep into the playoffs, but his season is still finding ways to impress the sports community.
The Los Angeles Dodgers ace became the first player ever to win three Players Choice Awards in a single season, earning recognition from his fellow ballplayers as 2014's standout player.
Kershaw was nominated for, and won, the National League's Outstanding Pitcher award, the overall Player of the Year award, and the Marvin Miller Man of the Year award, which goes to the player in either league who provides inspiration for others through his efforts, both on and off the field.
Kershaw's career-low 1.77 ERA represented the fourth consecutive season in which he has won the NL ERA title. The ERA was also the lowest in baseball since Pedro Martinez' 2000 season, in which he threw 1.74.
The 26-year-old, who is already a four-time All-Star, led National League pitchers with a 7.5 WAR and threw the first no-hitter of his career on June 18 against the Colorado Rockies, striking out 15 batters and not allowing a walk.
While his performance on the mound played a part in fellow baseball players naming Kershaw the Marvin Miller Man of the Year, his efforts to improve the community were their primary drive. Kershaw's Challenge was started in 2011 by he and his wife, Ellen, which motivates others to use their talent, passion, or purpose to give back to others.
The movement was inspire by the couples' work and relationship with a malnourished, HIV-stricken girl in Zambia named Hope.
The Players Choice Awards have been presented each year since 1992. Winners from 2014 will designate charities to receive grants, which total $260,000, from the Major League Baseball Players Trust.
The Trust raises funds and attention for needs in the community.
Kershaw beat out Reds ace Johnny Cueto and Cardinals ace Adam Wainwright for the NL Outstanding Pitcher award.
