The Hutch Award was created in 1965 in honor of the late Fred Hutchinson. Fred "Hutch" Hutchinson made his Major League debut as a pitcher in 1939 and later in his career managed the Reds to a National League pennant.
In December of 1963, Hutchinson felt a lump in his throat and sought medical attention from his brother who was a cancer surgeon. His brother told him he would only live for one more year. Fred returned to the ballclub, concealed his illness, and led his team through most of the season until the illness overtook him at mid-season.
One year after Hutchinson's death, the Hutch Award was created and given to the Major League ballplayer that best exemplifies the fighting spirit and competitive desire of the late Fred Hutchinson. Research by Baseball Almanac.
"Never borrow money from your ballclub and never try to fool your manager." - Fred Hutchinson Rules For Rookies
The Hutch Award was the brainchild of Fred Hutchinson's three good friends: Bob Prince, broadcaster for the Pirates; Jim Enright, sportswriter; and Ritter Collett, editor of the Dayton Journal Herald.
Did you know that the panel who selects the winner of the Hutch Award is made up of players who have won the Hutch Award themselves?
* Press Release: To help keep our community safe, we have paused the Hutch Award Luncheon until May 2023. We look forward to celebrating together in the future!
A scholarship was also created in honor of Fred Hutchinson and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center website has more details and information for you to participate and learn about their efforts.