For the year 2007, Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon has been named the best closer in the game. The DHL Delivery Man of the Year Award was awarded today to Papelbon, who captured roughly 31 percent of the votes, wins the award for the first time in his career. Mariano Rivera won the inaugural award in 2005 and again in 2006.
As part of this award, DHL is donating $10,000 to the Boston Area Church League in Papelbon’s name, in conjunction with the Baseball Tomorrow Fund. This money will be used to finance a local baseball field called Jim Rice Field — I am only a five minute walk from this field.
Papelbon had an incredible year, as we all know. He saved 37 games and had a 1.85 ERA. Despite an ERA almost a full run higher from last year, he registered a lower Batting Average Against (.146), a lower WHIP by .01 point (0.77) and blew away the batters (literally!) with 84 whiffs in only 58.1 IP. His 12.96 K/9 ranks as the best ratio compared to all of baseball’s relievers.
Congratulations to Papelbon! Now go get us a ring!