Giants’ All-Star Vogelsong named PSWA ‘Native Son’ winner

All-Star pitcher Ryan Vogelsong of the San Francisco Giants, a Chester County native, will be welcomed back as this year’s Native Son award-winner, joining a distinguished group of honorees at the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association’s 108th annual Dinner on Monday, January 30, 2012 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, on Route 70 in Cherry Hill, N.J.

Vogelsong, a graduate of Octorara Area High school in Atglen, Chester County, played college ball at Kutztown University and was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in 1998. After making his major league debut in 2004 with the Giants, Vogelsong also spent time with the Pittsburgh Pirates and played professionally in Japan before re-signing with San Francisco before the 2011 season.

Vogelsong put together a breakout season in ’11, going 13-7 with a 2.17 ERA, leading the Giants’ rotation in ERA (besting Tim Lincecum and Matt Cain) and finishing sixth in the National League overall.

Vogelsong was named to the 2011 NL All-Star team and earned strong consideration for 2011 Comeback Player of the Year.

Vogelsong will be in Cherry Hill to pick up his award January 30, joining the likes of Philadelphia Flyers center Claude Giroux, the Pro Athlete of the Year; Villanova University track and cross country All America Sheila Reed, Outstanding Amateur Athlete; Phillies outfielder Hunter Pence, the Good Guy of the Year; Phillies general Manager Ruben Amaro Junior (accepting the Philadelphia Phillies Team of the Year award); Phillies manager Charlie Manuel, WNBA Coach of the Year Cheryl Reeve, Philadelphia Union soccer star Sebastian Le Toux, college football coaching Hall of Famer Bill Manlove, and Villanova University women’s basketball coaching legend Harry Perretta (all Special Achievement honorees).

The Living Legend and Humanitarian of the Year, among others, will be announced soon, as will a couple of surprise presentations. The most coveted award-Most Courageous-is kept secret until the night of the dinner. Comedian Joe Conklin will also perform at the oldest continuing sports awards banquet in the nation.

The public is welcome at the dinner. Tickets are $95 apiece, and are available by clicking here.

Doors to the banquet open at 5 p.m., with the dinner starting promptly at 6:30 p.m.

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