There’s no way anyone could have imagined this in spring training. Matt Duffy was just trying to make the team, let alone earn a starting spot and become a candidate for Rookie of the Year. Tonight, in a true testament to what he means to the team, Duffy won the annual Willie Mac Award, signifying the Giants’ most inspirational player in the grand Willie McCovey tradition.
This is an award the Giants take quite seriously, dating back to the first winner (Jack Clark) in 1980. “Whoever wins it should be honored,” manager Bruce Bochy said before the game, “because it’s voted on by your teammates and coaches.