Pirates Clint Hurdle Named Dapper Dan Sportsman of Year

Pittsburgh Pirates skipper Clint Hurdle might need to add an addition on his home after the Cinderella 2013 Buccos season.  The awards keep piling up for Hurdle as it was announced in today’s Post Gazette that he will be honored as the 2013 Dapper Dan Sportsman of the Year.

That’s two years, and two Pirates being named to the distinguished honor with Andrew McCutchen winning in 2012.

Hurdle deserves accolades after leading the Pirates to their first winning season and playoff berth since 1992.  The award will be presented on February 6, 2014 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.  All proceeds for the $150 general seat/ $250 premium seat dinner and auction benefit Dapper Dan Charities.  If you get an opportunity to attend, I recommend it.  The memorabilia auction is very impressive.

Check out more details here: http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/2013/12/22/Pirates-manager-Hurdle-humbled-by-pick-for-Dapper-Dan/stories/201312220055#ixzz2oFgFRzkI

The interesting thing about the Pirates is that with all of the buzz about the defensive shifts, Hurdle’s locker room was kept loose.  He instilled a leadership council.  The Bucs skipper kept a very close eye on his seemingly overworked bullpen early in the season.  Pitch counts were tossed to the curb.  Clint Barmes kept on getting his name penciled in the lineup card regularly despite Jordy Mercer outplaying the veteran.  But I digress.

Congrats to Hurdle on doing what many thought would never be done.