San Francisco, CA - Only a select few are chosen, a prestigious award only given to those who have made a mark in the season. So, it's fitting that this particular player was voted unanimously among his teammates, coaches, training staff, the fans and Willie McCovey.
After a injury that cost him all of last season, he returned this year has been phenomenal. A leading candidate for the National League MVP is just a piece of what this player has accomplished thus far.
"That's a serious injury to come back from," said San Diego Padres manager Bud Black. " I don't know him personally but to come back to this level of performance doesn't surprise me based on what I've heard about the character of this guy and his work ethic."
Buster Posey is picking up where he left off in 2010. A remarkable year to cap an injury that left many wondering if he'll ever play baseball again. The dedication, commitment and desire to get back on the field led him to begin his recovery.
Posey was taken out by Florida Marlins Scott Cousins on May 26, 2011 when he collided with the catcher at home plate. He sustained a broken fibula and severely strained his left ankle ligaments. Out for the season, Buster was back in the clubhouse walking with a leg brace a month later.
"I wanted to be back here badly," Posey said. "And to come back here and play at this level has been truly special."
By spring training camp of this year, Buster declared he was ready to play baseball. Months later he was voted into his first Major League Baseball All-Star game, and he caught teammate Matt Cain's perfect game. Not a bad way to pick up where he left off in 2010 when he won the NL Rookie of the Year Award and his first World Series.
With a batting average of .313, 23 home runs and 95 RBI's he is having a remarkable year. Now that suspended teammate Melky Cabrera took himself out of the batting title race, it's between Andrew McCutchen and Posey for the title. Heading into tonight's game, McCutchen has a slight margin over Buster.
Andrew fell off since the MLB All-Star break and Buster has soared. Over the past two weeks, he's hitting over .429 which tops the Majors. Posey is a front runner for the league MVP award and was named the recipient of the 2012 Willie Mac award.
"It was a unanimous decision," said Giants manager Bruce Bochy. "It's quite an honor and Buster inspires everybody the way he plays and carries himself. It's a big award, I'm happy and proud for him."
Posey was presented with the award before last nights against the Padres. The award was established in 1980 and named after former Giants player Willie McCovey. An annual honor that goes to the most inspirational player every year. McCovey who attends the ceremony every year never reveals his vote but the Hall-of-Famer broke his own rule last night.
"I want everybody to know that I voted for this guy," Willie said. "Your 2012 winner, Buster Posey."
"It's a great honor when recognized by teammates, coaching staff and fans" Posey explained. "To have my name associated with Willie McCovey is a honor in itself. I was just excited to be back on the field and in no way did I predict having such a great season."