John Lackey Wins Tony Conigliaro Award For Overcoming Adversity
BOSTON (CBS) -- Red Sox right-hander John Lackey was named the winner of the 2013 Tony Conigliaro Award on Tuesday, given to an MLB player "who has overcome adversity through the attributes of spirit, determination and courage that were trademarks of Tony C."
Lackey, 35, did not pitch in 2012 due to Tommy John surgery, but he showed no signs of rust in 2013. Though his win-loss record of 10-13 didn't stand out, his 3.52 ERA was his best in a full season since 2007, and he ranked seventh in the American League with a 4.03 strikeout-to-walk ratio. He went 3-1 in the playoffs with a 2.77 ERA, and he allowed just four earned runs over 14 innings in the World Series, earning a victory in the sixth and clinching game against St. Louis.
The Red Sox first issued the award in 1990 "to perpetuate the memory of Tony C., who had died that February following an eight-year struggle to come back from a massive heart attack that left him severely handicapped."
Lackey received six first-place votes and 35 points, edging out Brandon McCarthy, who received 33 points for returning to the mound after taking a line drive off his head in 2012.
Lackey will receive the award on Jan. 23 at the Boston Baseball Writers' Association of America's annual dinner, and it will be presented by members of the Conigliaro family.
