When search for the phrase bounceback within the dictionary, you simply may occur to see an image of Jason Heyward on the web page. The previous All-Star was years faraway from glory when the Dodgers got here calling within the offseason. He had been launched by the Chicago Cubs in the midst of the 2022 season, with the membership consuming $30 million in wage to get him off the roster for the remainder of that yr and this yr.
He signed a minor league take care of LA in December and instantly set to work rebuilding his recreation and his swing from the bottom up.
Flash ahead 9 months later and he’s placing collectively arguably his most efficient season as an enormous leaguer on the age of 34. Past his play on the sphere, the 14-year MLB veteran has been a rock and unquestioned chief within the Dodgers clubhouse. And for all of his efforts and nice teamwork, his teammates rewarded him on Friday with the group’s highest honor.
He was named this yr’s Roy Campanella Award winner, an award given out since 2006 to the participant “who greatest exemplifies the spirit and management of the late Corridor of Fame catcher.”
The award is voted on by all Dodgers uniformed personnel, gamers, and coaches, together with his greatest good friend and long-time teammate Freddie Freeman, final years recipient of the award.
“All that adverse stuff, you’ll be able to simply throw away as a result of when Jason, it’s solely going to be optimistic as a result of he’s such a beautiful human,” Freeman mentioned to Dodger Insider journal. “What he does within the metropolis, the inside cities, what he’s nonetheless doing in Chicago, if imply issues are popping out of your mouth about Jason, it’s worthwhile to re-evaluate your personal life. It’s been a very long time since we’ve gotten to be teammates once more…I get to see him on daily basis now. And I’m simply having a blast.”
Through Dodger Insider
Heyward is hitting .275 this season with 37 further base hits, 40 runs batted in and a .843 OPS in 117 video games.
Photograph Credit score: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports activities
