Taking the mound is a little more involved for Marlins reliever Dustin McGowan than it is for other pitchers. McGowan, a diabetic, must pitch with an insulin pump attached.
By overcoming that obstacle and in recognition of his work with other diabetics in the community, McGowan has been named this year’s recipient of the prestigious Hutch Award, a national honor given to a Major League player who best exemplifies the honor, courage and dedication of the legendary baseball player and manager Fred Hutchinson.
Hutchinson died in 1965 at the age of 45. Past winners of the award include Mickey Mantle, Pete Rose, Andre Dawson, Lou Brock and Willie Stargell.