New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia and New York Mets first baseman Ike Davis will be honored at the 33rd Annual Thurman Munson Awards Dinner on Tuesday night, February 5, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City.
The award is named for the late New York Yankees catcher. His widow, Diana Munson, has attended each benefit and has been involved since the inception of the award to raise nearly $12 million to assist children and adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Thurman Munson Awards are presented to acknowledge success on the fields of play and philanthropic contributions.
Sabathia and his wife, Amber, co-founded the PitCCh In Foundation, designed to enrich the lives of inner city youth through various community outreach, sports and educational programs. PitCCh In has three signature programs: the All Star Baseball Clinic, the Youth Backpack Program and the Christmas Caravan. Over the last several years, the foundation has been responsible for numerous programs in the New York City area and in Vallejo, California, Sabathia’s home town.
Father Was Teammate
Davis is the son of a Thurman Munson teammate, pitcher Ron Davis, and the acknowledgement provides added significance to the family.
“When I told my dad that I was being honored at the Thurman Munson Dinner he was thrilled,” said Davis. “My dad and Thurman played together for two years and he always told me he was the fiercest competitor he ever played with during his career. My dad always told me that no one wanted to win more than Thurman Munson. I can’t tell you how much I am looking forward to meeting his family.”
Davis hosts an annual charity event with the proceeds presented to Solving Kids’ Cancer (SKC) and the Liddy Shriver Sarcoma Initiative. Davis lost a childhood friend to Ewing’s Sarcoma and he has devoted his philanthropic efforts to raise funds and awareness for cancer research. Davis also participates in the Mets Amazin’ Calls program that connects players with fans who have Amazin' stories. The Mets call children and adults who have displayed heroic acts of courage, are committed to community service, or are overcoming health challenges.
For tickets and information about the Thurman Munson Awards Dinner, call 212-249-6188. The event is associated with the AHRC New York City Foundation, a not-for-profit organization that supports programs enabling children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead richer, more productive lives.
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