The Bobby Murcer Award

Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.), which was at one time headed by Bobby Murcer, has created an award in his honor. The Bobby Murcer Award will go to the team in the American and National Leagues that donates the most money to B.A.T. through payroll deductions. The first award will be presented at the 2010 annual dinner.

"Bobby was very proud of the work he accomplished for B.A.T.," said Kay Murcer, widow of Bobby Murcer. "Our family is deeply grateful that his legacy will continue in such a tremendous way through the B.A.T. organization."

Bobby started visiting each ball club during Spring Training to tell them about B.A.T.. Since 2003, the organization has generated $5.5 million in revenue from current player donations/deductions.

"We are honored to establish this award in memory of Bobby Murcer's giving and inspirational spirit," said B.A.T. executive director and COO Jim Martin. "Although Bobby passed on at the young age of 62, his efforts and commitment to the B.A.T. organization will live on through those he left behind and serve as a perfect example of how things should be done. He is greatly missed, but never forgotten."

Great award for a great guy, and very apropos that this announcement came out with 1 day left until pitchers and catchers report.