Mike Trout to be honored by Philly sports writers

AMERICAN LEAGUE Most Valuable Player Mike Trout, of the Los Angeles Angels, a native of Millville, N.J., will be honored as the Outstanding Pro Athlete of the Year by the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association at its 111th annual banquet on Jan. 16 at Cherry Hill's Crowne Plaza Hotel.

Trout, who has not yet confirmed his attendance, also won the award 2 years ago after he was named the AL's Rookie of the Year. The 23-year-old, who became the youngest unanimous MVP pick in major league history, was a huge crowd favorite in May when he played here against the Phillies.

Others being saluted that night are Flyers defenseman Kimmo Timonen (Good Guy), former Villanova guard and Big 5 Hall of Famer Chris Ford (Living Legend), Todd Frazier, of the Cincinnati Reds (Native Son), and Villanova quarterback and Walter Payton Award winner John Robertson (Amateur Athlete).

The Taney Dragons, who made national headlines last summer with their run to the Little League World Series, are being recognized as Team of the Year. And the late Lewis Katz is the Ed Snider Lifetime Humanitarian recipient.

The event is open to the public. Tickets are $95 and are available at pswadinner.com.

The Most Courageous Award, which sets this evening apart, is kept a secret until it is presented at the conclusion of the program.