A panel of National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association (NSSA) voters has chosen San Francisco Giants Pitcher Madison Bumgarner as the overall Hickok Belt® Award winner for 2014. Bumgarner was selected based on his incredible performance throughout the year – but especially for his record-setting performance at the 2014 World Series. That amazing performance led to Bumgarner becoming the first monthly Hickok Belt® Award winner to be selected unanimously, in October.
In one of the greatest World Series pitching performances of all time, Bumgarner defeated the Kansas City Royals in Game 1, pitched a shutout win in Game 5, and finally came on in relief to clinch the victory in Game 7 with 5 shutout innings – allowing only two hits while striking out four with no walks. Bumgarner also finished the regular season with an 18-10 record and a 2.98 ERA.
“On behalf of the NSSA, I’d like to congratulate Madison Bumgarner on an amazing year,” said Dave Goren, Executive Director. “He had a terrific regular season, but his performance in the post-season was truly one for the ages. Our voters felt he stood out among a field of tremendous athletes who represent the best that sports have to offer.”
Other finalists for the award included each of the 2014 Hickok Belt® Award monthly winners, who finished in the following order, based on the NSSA voting: Aaron Rodgers (football), Clayton Kershaw (baseball), Kevin Durant (basketball), Rory McIlroy (golf), Marshawn Lynch (football), Tuukka Rask (hockey), Jordan Zimmermann (baseball), Bubba Watson (golf), and Nelson Cruz (baseball).
“Madison Bumgarner is a truly incredible athlete whose win only adds to the rich history of this award,” said Tony Liccione of the Hickok Belt® Award. “Given what he accomplished at the 2014 World Series – and throughout the rest of 2014 – it’s no surprise that the NSSA voters have chosen to recognize him with this honor.”
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