MLB players can win awards due to their on-field performance.
However, those involved in community affairs are also worthy of recognition.
New York Yankees catcher Kyle Higashioka may not be a star, but he is a valuable backup catcher to the Bombers and an even more important contributor for the community around him.
That’s why he became the most recent recipient of the Thurman Munson Award.
“Congratulations to Compton Youth Academy alum @the_higster on earning the 2023 Thurman Munson Award presented by @ahrcnyc,” MLBDevelops tweeted.
Congratulations to Compton Youth Academy alum @the_higster on earning the 2023 Thurman Munson Award presented by @ahrcnyc 🏆 pic.twitter.com/aZkJDzy9mT
— MLBDevelops (@MLBDevelops) February 7, 2023
Thurman Munson was a Yankees legend in the seventies.
He passed away almost 44 years ago, but he still lives in the memory of those who loved him.
Higashioka, New York Mets manager Buck Showalter, Mets center fielder Brandon Nimmo, and World Golf Hall of Famer Annika Sörenstam were honored at the 43rd annual Thurman Munson Awards Dinner.
According to MLB.com, “the Thurman Munson Awards are given to professional and Olympic athletes in recognition of their athletic achievements and contributions to the community.”
The dinner raised money to benefit the AHRC New York City Foundation with the intention of helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Over the last 43 years, the AHRC NYC has raised almost $20 million.
“It just shows the impact that Thurman had on the New York community,” said Munson’s widow, Diana Munson, per the league’s official site.
Higashioka, for years, has volunteered for the MLB Youth Academy in Compton, California.
In 2022, the backup slashed .227/.264/.389 with 10 home runs in 248 plate appearances.
His defensive work behind the plate, however, was much more important.
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