New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez, the runner-up to Michael Fulmer for the AL Rookie of the Year award in 2016, will be honored at the 37th Annual Thurman Munson Awards Dinner at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Manhattan on February 7. Sanchez, New York Mets infielder Wilmer Flores and New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz will receive the Thurman Munson Award, which remembers the late, great Yankees captain and catcher and is presented annually for success and inspiration on the fields of play, and community spirit off the field.
Sanchez burst into prominence last August after being called up at the trade deadline, hitting 20 home runs with 42 RBI in 53 games. He became the first Yankees catcher since Munson (July 1976) to be named AL Player of the Week when he hit .523 with four home runs, six RBI, four runs scored and a stolen base in six games, and wound up also being voted both Player of the Month and Rookie of the Month for batting .389 with 11 home runs, nine doubles and 21 RBIs in 24 games in the month of August. He is expected to be an anchor of the Yankees lineup in 2017.
Also attending will be Diana Munson, Thurman’s widow, who helped establish the event, which has raised nearly $15 million for programs that serve New York City children and adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Michael Kay, the “Voice of the Yankees” on YES Network and ESPN NY Radio 98.7 FM host, will serve as Master of Ceremonies. The event is open to the public; For tickets and information on the Munson Awards Dinner call 212-249-6188 or email [email protected]. Tickets may be also purchased on line at www.ahrcNYCfoundation.org/events