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Baseball Writers' Association of America
Baseball Writers' Association of America
Baseball Writers' Association of America
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The Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) is a professional association for journalists writing about Major League Baseball for daily newspapers, magazines, and qualifying websites. The organization was founded in 1908 and is known for its annual awards and voting on membership in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Key Information

Early years

[edit]

The BBWAA was founded on October 14, 1908,[3] to improve working conditions for sportswriters in the early part of the 20th century; It also sought to promote uniformity of scoring methods, and to professionalize the press box, such that access was limited only to working reporters, telegraphers, and others who had a reason to be there.

The organization began with 43 founding members.[4] They included Joe S. Jackson, who became the association's first president. At that time, Jackson was the sporting editor (today called sports editor) of the Detroit Free Press. Also selected as officers were Irving E. Sanborn of the Chicago Tribune, syndicated columnist Hugh Fullerton, and The Boston Globe baseball writer Tim Murnane.[5] A second meeting was held in New York City in December; Sanborn decided he could not serve as an officer at that time, and he was replaced by William Weart of the Philadelphia Times. The slate of officers was ratified, and anyone who wrote about baseball in major league cities was eligible for membership. This policy changed, however, in December 1913, at which time it was decided that minor-league baseball writers could also become members.[6] Then, Jackson became a dominant force in the early years of the baseball writers, being elected as president of the association during nine consecutive terms.[7]

Jackson finally retired in 1919, while Sanborn returned to assume the position of president. After that, Jackson became a member of the BBWAA Board of Directors.[8]

Web membership

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In 2007, the BBWAA opened its membership to web-based writers employed on a full-time basis by "websites that are credentialed by MLB for post-season coverage."[9] In 2015, the BBWAA opened up membership to writers directly employed by MLB.com, which has been credited for a shift in votes in the 2026 Hall of Fame balloting.[10]

Mission

[edit]

The organization's primary function is to work with Major League Baseball and individual teams to assure clubhouse and press-box access for BBWAA members. In addition, BBWAA members also elect players to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, which is the organization's most public function. All writers with 10 continuous years of membership in the BBWAA, plus active BBWAA membership at any time in the preceding 10 years, are eligible to vote for the Hall of Fame. The BBWAA also votes annually for the Kenesaw Mountain Landis Most Valuable Player Award, Cy Young Award, Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award, and Manager of the Year Award in each of the two major leagues. The Hall of Fame also empowers the BBWAA's Historical Overview Committee, made up of 11 or 12 veteran BBWAA members, to formulate the annual ballot for the Veterans Committee.

Considering the ready availability of television broadcasts for the majority of baseball games, plus instant access to information through the Internet, some have called into question why the BBWAA has not broadened its membership rules to include broadcasters and researchers.[11] (Similar arguments were made for the inclusion of Web-based journalists, before the BBWAA added Web writers to its ranks in December 2007.)[9]

Others have openly questioned why the BBWAA is involved in the award and Hall of Fame voting processes at all,[12] citing in some cases journalistic integrity and the need to remain unbiased in their coverage of newsworthy events.[13]

Awards

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Voting

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The BBWAA's most public function is to annually vote on candidates for the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

In addition, the BBWAA is responsible for voting on several annual awards in each major league which are presented annually at the New York chapter's dinner:

In or about 2000, the BBWAA took over the voting responsibility for the Edgar Martínez Award, given each year to the outstanding designated hitter in the American League.

From 1953 to 1962, the BBWAA presented a "Sophomore of the Year Award" in each league.[16]

In 1997, a 36-member BBWAA panel selected the Major League Baseball All-Time Team.

BBWAA Career Excellence Award

[edit]
Main article: BBWAA Career Excellence Award

The annual BBWAA Career Excellence Award is the highest award given by the BBWAA. First awarded in 1962 to J. G. Taylor Spink, longtime publisher of The Sporting News, it was named the J. G. Taylor Spink Award until adopting its current name in February 2021.[17] It has been awarded annually for "meritorious contributions to baseball writing", except for one year during the 1994–95 Major League Baseball strike. Recipients are not considered members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame but are permanently recognized in an exhibit at the Hall's library.

Chapter awards

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For information about the chapter and its presiding officer, see footnote[18] and Red Foley (past chairman).

New York chapter

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  • Babe Ruth Award – postseason MVP since 2007; previously awarded to the best postseason performer of the World Series from 1949 to 2006.[19][20]
  • Willie, Mickey and the Duke Award – to a group of players forever linked in baseball history.[14][19][20]
  • Joe DiMaggio "Toast of the Town" Award – for a player who has become a New York favorite.[14][19][20]
  • Arthur and Milton Richman "You Gotta Have Heart" Award – presented to a member of the baseball community who has overcome difficult circumstances.[19][20]
  • Sid Mercer–Dick Young Player of the Year Award – presented to the best player on either the Yankees or Mets.[21][22][20]
  • Casey Stengel "You Can Look It Up" Award – presented to someone never previously honored by the chapter, usually to recognize a career achievement.[14][20]
  • Joan Payson/Shannon Dalton Forde Award (formerly the Joan Payson Award, until 2016) – for excellence in community service.[14][19][20]
  • Ben Epstein–Dan Castellano "Good Guy" Award – presented to a baseball person, often a New York player, for their candor and accessibility to writers.[14][19][23][20]
  • William J. Slocum–Jack Lang Award – for long and meritorious service; usually presented to a recently retired player, media personality, or executive.[19][24][25][20]

Other chapters

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See also: Baseball awards § Awards given to members of specific teams

Presidents

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For a list of presidents and secretaries from 1908 to the present, see footnote[27] During the 2012 World Series, the Association elected its first female president, Susan Slusser, of the San Francisco Chronicle.[28]

See also

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Footnotes

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Further reading

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Baseball Writers' Association of America

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from Grokipedia
The Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) is a professional organization founded in 1908 to support journalists covering (MLB) for daily newspapers and news outlets, ensuring proper working conditions in press boxes and clubhouses while facilitating access to players for accurate and fair reporting. With over 700 active members, the BBWAA requires eligibility through regular coverage of MLB games and events by print or digital news organizations, as outlined in its . The association's most prominent roles include conducting annual elections for key MLB awards—such as (MVP), , Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year, and Manager of the Year—in each league, with voting performed by two members per city and ballots submitted before the postseason, followed by announcements in November after the . Additionally, the BBWAA holds exclusive authority to elect players to the National Baseball Hall of Fame from eligible retired candidates, a process limited to members with at least 10 consecutive years of active voting status, who retain eligibility for up to 10 years after ceasing regular coverage. These responsibilities underscore the BBWAA's central influence on recognizing excellence in , maintaining a tradition of journalistic integrity since its inception.

History

Founding and Early Development

The Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) was founded on October 14, 1908, in by 43 charter members, who were sportswriters employed by daily newspapers across the . The organization emerged amid growing frustrations with inadequate facilities and access during games, particularly highlighted by disputes over press seating during the 1908 season. The BBWAA's initial purposes centered on enhancing professional standards for its members, including improving working conditions in es and clubhouses, promoting uniformity in scoring and statistics, and limiting access to qualified journalists to ensure accurate reporting. Joe S. Jackson, sports editor of the , was elected as the organization's first president and played a pivotal role in drafting its early bylaws to formalize these objectives. Among the BBWAA's early accomplishments were negotiations that secured improved travel accommodations for sportswriters accompanying teams and contributions to the of MLB's scoring rules, which helped ensure consistent statistical recording across games. In December 1913, the organization expanded its membership to include writers covering minor-league , broadening its scope beyond major-league coverage.

Expansion and Key Milestones

Following the establishment of its core voting responsibilities in the early , the BBWAA expanded its influence through the introduction of major awards that recognized outstanding individual performances in . The (MVP) Award was first presented in 1931, with the BBWAA taking over its administration to honor the top player in each league based on season-long contributions. This was followed by the of the Year Award in 1947, initially awarded to a single major-league standout before splitting into American and National League categories the next year, with as the inaugural National League recipient. These awards solidified the organization's role in shaping baseball's narrative and accolades, drawing on the expertise of its growing membership to conduct annual votes. The post-World War II era marked a period of significant organizational growth for the BBWAA, coinciding with baseball's rising popularity and the expansion of media coverage. Membership surged alongside the sport's resurgence as newspapers proliferated to meet fan demand for detailed reporting. This expansion reflected broader adaptations to evolving media landscapes, broadening the association's scope beyond traditional print journalism. A pivotal milestone in the digital age came in December 2007, when the BBWAA voted to admit web-based journalists for the first time, acknowledging the shift toward online platforms as legitimate sources of baseball coverage after years of debate on eligibility criteria. This decision modernized membership standards, allowing writers from major digital outlets to join and participate in voting, thereby ensuring the organization's relevance in an increasingly internet-driven media environment. A major milestone came in 1936 when the BBWAA began conducting elections for the National Baseball Hall of Fame, further cementing its role in recognition. In 2021, the BBWAA undertook a significant reevaluation of its honors by renaming the J.G. Taylor Spink Award to the BBWAA Career Excellence Award, following a membership vote that cited Spink's historical support for segregated as incompatible with the organization's values. The change, approved by 97% of voters, refocused the award on meritorious contributions to writing without tying it to a controversial figure, enhancing its alignment with contemporary principles of inclusivity. Further expansion of the BBWAA's awards portfolio occurred in August 2025, when members voted to introduce the Relief Pitcher of the Year Award for each league, set to debut with the 2026 season to specifically recognize the contributions of specialists amid the sport's evolving emphasis on late-inning strategy. By the early 2020s, overall membership had grown to approximately 700 active writers, including around 100 international members from countries such as , the , , , and , signaling international outreach in the to accommodate baseball's international footprint. This development underscored the BBWAA's adaptation to a more diverse and worldwide media ecosystem.

Organization and Membership

Governance Structure

The Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) operates under a national structure led by a , consisting of the president, , secretary-treasurer, and four directors, all elected or appointed to oversee the organization's executive functions and serve as its supreme tribunal for disputes and membership decisions. The president automatically succeeds from the previous year's position, while the is selected through a rotational system among the local chapters, and the secretary-treasurer is elected by a majority vote of the membership; all officers serve one-year terms beginning at the conclusion of the annual meeting. Vacancies are filled through succession or special elections conducted by the board to ensure continuity. Local chapters form the foundational units of the BBWAA, with one established in each market, totaling 25 autonomous groups as of 2025, including prominent ones in New York, , and . Each chapter elects its own chair annually by December 1 and handles regional responsibilities such as supervising access at local ballparks, collecting membership dues, and organizing chapter-specific events and meetings. These chapters maintain independence in day-to-day operations while affiliating with the national organization for broader policy alignment and representation. The BBWAA convenes its annual meeting during the World Series, where national elections for officers occur, financial reports are presented, and key policies are discussed, requiring a quorum of majority chapter representation for decisions. Governed by its constitution and bylaws, the organization emphasizes democratic processes, including majority votes for membership approvals and two-thirds majorities for disciplinary actions like expulsions, with the board providing oversight on all such matters. Various standing committees, appointed annually by the president-elect, support specialized functions such as rules interpretation and records maintenance; notably, the BBWAA appoints the Historical Overview Committee, which screens candidates for Hall of Fame era ballots in collaboration with the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Membership Criteria and Benefits

Membership in the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) is limited to professional journalists whose primary responsibility involves regular coverage of (MLB) for qualifying news organizations, including daily newspapers, wire services, magazines, or major websites. Prospective members must contact the chairman of their local chapter or the national secretary-treasurer to apply, with applications reviewed and approved by the relevant chapter and national board according to established guidelines. Active membership requires ongoing full-time engagement in MLB beat coverage, while retired (honorary) status is automatically conferred upon members who have completed at least 10 years of active service and no longer meet the criteria due to severance or voluntary . Tenure for active members accrues only during dues-paid years or approved interruptions such as . Eligibility to vote in Baseball Hall of Fame elections is restricted to those with at least 10 consecutive years of active BBWAA membership prior to the election, with honorary members retaining voting rights for up to 10 years post- if they meet this threshold. Key benefits of membership include the issuance of an official BBWAA card, which enables access to press credentials for all MLB ballparks and clubhouses, facilitating interviews with players and personnel essential for accurate reporting. Active members also enjoy privileges such as participation in annual meetings, committee service, and applications for tickets, alongside networking opportunities through local chapter events. Annual dues, determined by the national board of directors, must be paid between the World Series and January 31 to maintain good standing. The BBWAA currently boasts more than 700 active members, a figure that has grown with the inclusion of journalists from major outlets alongside traditional print and wire services. In the 2025 Hall of Fame election, 394 eligible members exercised their voting rights.

Mission and Operations

Core Objectives

The Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) was founded with the primary mission to foster professional standards in journalism by ensuring proper working conditions for journalists covering , including competent regulation of facilities and access to players and game personnel for accurate, fair, and complete reporting. This foundational purpose, established in 1908, emphasizes protecting members' working rights through advocacy with (MLB) for efficient and comfortable environments, such as standardized press accommodations at ballparks. Additionally, the organization promotes uniformity in scoring rules and sustains cooperation with writers to enhance overall reporting quality across levels of the sport. Central to the BBWAA's efforts are ethical guidelines that maintain journalistic , prohibiting members from seeking favors beyond necessary access or engaging in activities that create conflicts of interest, such as sponsoring marketable products or misusing the association's name for unauthorized purposes. These guidelines support accurate coverage by educating members on MLB rules and statistics through promotion of standardized practices, helping to uphold transparency and credibility in reporting. The BBWAA also enforces a that addresses violations through admonishment, suspension, or expulsion, ensuring adherence to without compromising the organization's integrity. Beyond awards, the BBWAA engages in non-award activities such as providing special services at major games on behalf of the Baseball Commissioner and overseeing credential allocation to qualified media, which reinforces its role in supporting infrastructure. Over time, the organization's objectives have evolved from an initial labor-focused emphasis on improving early 20th-century working conditions for newspaper writers to a modern commitment to diverse media inclusion, now encompassing members from newspapers, magazines, and major websites to reflect changes in coverage. This shift promotes broader transparency and ethical standards in an era of digital reporting, while continuing to prioritize fair access and professional fellowship.

Press Access and Support Services

The Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) plays a central role in credentialing its members to ensure access to Major League Baseball (MLB) events. Access Members, who are active beat writers covering MLB teams, receive official MLB credentials that provide entry to all ballparks, priority seating in press boxes, and post-game interview sessions with players and staff. General Members, including those who cover baseball more broadly, are issued a BBWAA membership card that facilitates applications for club-specific credentials from individual teams. These credentials are non-transferable and overseen by local chapters to maintain professional standards and prevent misuse, with violations leading to revocation. In addition to credentialing, the BBWAA coordinates travel and logistical support for its members during road trips and major events like the . Local chapters work with MLB teams to arrange accommodations, transportation, and reserved seating allotments, such as limited tickets, ensuring writers can fulfill their coverage duties efficiently. The organization's Committee negotiates improvements to facilities and working conditions across ballparks, addressing issues like space allocation and amenities to support on-site reporting. The BBWAA provides essential resources to aid members' work, including a public voter database that allows searches of ballots for annual awards like MVP and since 2012, and Hall of Fame elections since 2010. A comprehensive members directory offers profiles, contact links, and social media feeds, enabling collaboration and networking among journalists. These tools, accessible via the BBWAA website, help maintain uniformity in scoring rules and facilitate information sharing without relying on external statistical archives. For dispute resolution, the BBWAA's National Board of Directors handles appeals related to access denials and inter-chapter conflicts through negotiations with MLB. During the 2020 protocols, when MLB temporarily restricted clubhouse access, BBWAA President Paul Sullivan issued a statement expressing disappointment but supporting safety measures, while advocating for collaborative solutions with MLB and the MLB Players Association to restore access in alternative formats like remote interviews. Recent enhancements to digital access stem from the decision to include web-based writers in membership, broadening eligibility beyond print journalists and promoting online collaboration. During the 2020 season, temporary virtual options such as remote interviews were implemented due to restrictions, but as of 2025, access policies have returned to pre-pandemic in-person standards using physical credentials.

Awards and Recognition

National Awards Overview

The Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) administers several prestigious national awards recognizing outstanding individual performances in , with voting conducted by its members who cover the sport. These awards, which began in the early , focus on key contributors such as players, pitchers, rookies, and managers, emphasizing criteria like overall impact, statistical excellence, and leadership. The BBWAA's role in these honors underscores its commitment to evaluating baseball achievement through journalistic expertise. The (MVP) Award, established in 1931, honors the top performer in each league for their overall contribution to team success, considering factors such as offensive production, defensive play, and intangibles like leadership during the regular season. Initially awarded separately for the in 1931 and the National League in 1932, it has since become a dual-league honor voted on by BBWAA members prior to postseason play. The , introduced in 1956 to commemorate Hall of Famer , recognizes the best pitcher in based on pitching effectiveness, including metrics like , strikeouts, and . From 1956 to 1966, a single award was given regardless of league; since 1967, separate honors have been presented for the and National Leagues. The Rookie of the Year Award, originally named the Rookie of the Year Award when it debuted in 1947, identifies the top first-year player in each league for their immediate impact and potential, evaluating performance in a limited sample of games. It was split into league-specific awards starting in 1949, and renamed in 1987 to honor , the award's inaugural winner and baseball's barrier-breaking pioneer. The Manager of the Year Award, launched in 1983, celebrates the best managerial performance in each league, focusing on strategic decisions, team motivation, and achieving success relative to expectations such as roster quality and preseason projections. Among other national awards, the Outstanding Designated Hitter Award, presented from 2004 to 2019 and voted on by beat writers, broadcasters, and public relations directors, recognized the premier based on batting prowess and run production in that specialized role; it was discontinued following the 2020 adoption of universal designated hitters in both leagues. In August 2025, the BBWAA announced a new of the Year Award, to be given annually starting with the 2026 season—one per league—to honor the top reliever for dominance in high-leverage situations, addressing the growing importance of specialists. Additionally, the BBWAA conducts annual Hall of Fame voting for players retired at least five full seasons, selecting up to 10 candidates per from a pool of eligible nominees; election requires approval on 75% of ballots cast by qualified BBWAA members with at least 10 years of active service.

Voting Procedures

The Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) maintains a structured voting process for its national awards and Baseball Hall of Fame selections, designed to reflect the collective judgment of its members while adhering to clear rules for eligibility, handling, and tabulation. Ballots for annual awards are distributed electronically to eligible voters shortly before the MLB postseason begins, with submission deadlines typically falling in to allow for timely announcements. For the Hall of Fame, ballots are mailed in late and must be returned by December 31. All votes are tabulated by designated BBWAA officials, such as national secretary-treasurer Jack O’Connell, in collaboration with external auditors like for Hall of Fame results. Eligibility to vote varies by award category. For the (MVP), , Rookie of the Year (ROY), and Manager of the Year (MOY) awards, all active BBWAA members qualify, with two voters selected per MLB city (one from each league chapter where applicable), yielding 30 voters per league for each award; honorary members may also participate. In contrast, Hall of Fame voting is restricted to active BBWAA members who have held continuous membership for at least 10 years as of the preceding December 31, along with a limited number of lifetime honorary members active within the prior decade. Voters must adhere to the BBWAA and register annually for Hall of Fame ballots. The annual awards use ranked-choice balloting with weighted points to determine winners based on total accumulation. For MVP and ROY, voters may rank up to 10 players for MVP and up to 3 for ; points are assigned as 14 for first place down to 1 for tenth in MVP, and 5 for first, 3 for second, and 1 for third in . Cy Young and MOY follow similar ranked systems, allowing up to 5 choices for (7 points for first, 4 for second, 3 for third, 2 for fourth, and 1 for fifth) and up to 3 for MOY (5-3-1 points). Hall of Fame balloting differs, presenting a ballot of eligible candidates (typically 20 to 40), determined by BBWAA eligibility rules; voters select up to 10, and induction requires approval on 75% of all returned ballots, emphasizing career contributions in playing ability, integrity, sportsmanship, character, and service. Award winners are announced on during November for annual honors and in January for Hall of Fame inductees, with results certified jointly by the BBWAA and the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Ties in annual awards are resolved by comparing the number of higher-place votes (e.g., most first-place votes), with shared honors possible if unresolved; Hall of Fame ties are similarly broken by vote hierarchy without runoffs. In a 2025 update, the BBWAA voted to introduce a beginning with the 2026 season, employing the same top-5 ranked-choice format and 7-4-3-2-1 points system as the to recognize standout relievers in each league.

Career Excellence Award

The BBWAA Career Excellence Award, formerly known as the J.G. Taylor Spink Award, was established in 1962 by the National Baseball Hall of Fame to recognize outstanding contributions to . It was initially named after J.G. Taylor Spink, the longtime publisher of and the award's inaugural recipient, who was honored for his role in chronicling history. In 2021, the BBWAA voted overwhelmingly (325-9) to rename the award, removing Spink's name due to his historical support for segregated , thereby affirming the organization's direct control over the honor. This change marked a significant shift, emphasizing the BBWAA's commitment to inclusive recognition in writing. The award celebrates lifetime achievements in writing, honoring individuals for meritorious contributions that have enriched the understanding and appreciation of the sport, regardless of BBWAA membership status. Eligible candidates include journalists, columnists, and others who have demonstrated excellence through in-depth reporting, analysis, or storytelling over their careers. The selection process begins with nominations submitted by BBWAA members or the public, reviewed annually by a three-member screening appointed by the to create a of finalists, typically announced during the . The winner is then determined by a vote of BBWAA members with at least 10 consecutive years of service, requiring a simple majority; the results are revealed in December ahead of the Hall of Fame induction. The recipient receives a plaque during Hall of Fame Weekend ceremonies in , where their name is added to a permanent display in the Hall's press room. Notable recipients exemplify the award's focus on influential voices in baseball journalism. In 2025, Thomas Boswell of was selected as the 76th honoree, earning 167 votes out of 394 ballots for his 52-year career covering the sport with insightful columns and narratives. Earlier winners include , recognized in 2004 for his pioneering ESPN analysis and Globe reporting that shaped modern baseball coverage. The award's significance lies in its alignment with Hall of Fame inductions, underscoring the vital role of journalism in preserving and promoting baseball's legacy alongside player achievements.

Local Chapter Awards

The Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) maintains 25 local chapters in markets, each operating autonomously to present awards that recognize players, managers, executives, and others for their contributions to , with a focus on regional impact, leadership, and community engagement. These honors, distinct from national BBWAA awards, often highlight local team achievements, , and off-field service rather than league-wide statistics, and are typically announced at chapter-hosted events like annual dinners. The New York Chapter exemplifies this tradition, having issued awards since the early to celebrate excellence among players associated with its teams. Its Sid Mercer/Dick Young “New York Player of the Year” Award serves as a local equivalent to the MVP, honoring the top performer from New York franchises, while the Babe Ruth Award recognizes postseason MVP contributions. Additional accolades include the Willie, & the Award for exemplary team and , and the “Toast of the Town” Award for the most popular player or team among fans. The chapter's events, such as the 101st annual dinner scheduled for January 2026 to mark its centennial, often feature these presentations alongside national award recipients. Other chapters similarly tailor awards to their locales, emphasizing character and resilience. In , the Good Guy Award commends players for outstanding cooperation with the media and positive demeanor, while the salutes individuals who persevere through significant personal or professional challenges, presented annually at the chapter's dinner. The St. Louis Chapter honors rookie standouts and comeback performers through dedicated categories at its yearly banquet, spotlighting emerging talent and resurgent careers among Cardinals players, such as recent recipients for rookie excellence and for a strong return. These gatherings frequently generate proceeds for initiatives like scholarships via affiliated foundations, underscoring the chapters' commitment to supporting future writers. Collectively, the chapters bestow dozens of distinct awards each year, fostering appreciation for 's local dimensions and providing platforms for charitable giving.

Leadership

List of Presidents

The Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) elects a president annually from among its membership to lead the , a practice that has continued since its founding in 1908. The role involves overseeing operations, representing the association in media matters, and facilitating elections for awards and governance. Over the years, the presidency has reflected evolving trends in journalism, including greater diversity, with milestones such as Susan Slusser becoming the first woman elected in 2013 and Shi Davidi serving as the first Canadian-born president in 2023. The following table provides a complete chronological list of BBWAA presidents, their terms of service, and primary affiliations or outlets, as documented in the organization's official records.
YearsPresidentAffiliation/Outlet
1908–1919Joseph JacksonDetroit and Washington
1919–1920Irving E. SanbornChicago
1921–1924Fred LiebNew York
1925–1926James M. GouldSt. Louis
1927–1928Burt WhitmanBoston Herald
1929–1930James CrusinberryChicago Daily News
1931William J. SlocumNew York American
1932J. Roy StocktonSt. Louis Post-Dispatch
1933Denman ThompsonWashington Star
1934H.G. SalsingerDetroit News
1935James C. IsamingerPhiladelphia Inquirer
1936Stuart M. BellCleveland Press
1937Charles M. SegarNew York Daily Mirror
1938Irving VaughanChicago Tribune
1939Paul Shannon / Charles J. DoyleBoston Post / Pittsburgh Sun-Telegraph
1940Sid MercerNew York Journal-American
1941Tom SwopeCincinnati Post
1942Albert M. HorwitsPhiladelphia Ledger
1943Gordon CobbledickCleveland Plain Dealer
1944John M. MalaneyBoston Post
1945Martin J. HaleySt. Louis Globe-Democrat
1946Frank F. O’Neill / Leo MacdonellWashington Times-Herald / Detroit Times
1947Tommy HolmesBrooklyn Eagle
1948Edward H. BurnsChicago Tribune
1949Roscoe McGowenNew York Times
1950Chester L. SmithPittsburgh Press
1951Franklin W. YeutterPhiladelphia Evening Bulletin
1952Lou SmithCincinnati Enquirer
1953Joe CashmanBoston Record
1954Edward J. McAuleyCleveland News
1955Shirley PovichWashington Post
1956Lyall SmithDetroit Free Press
1957Dan DanielNew York World-Telegram
1958Bob BroegSt. Louis Post-Dispatch
1959Les BiedermanPittsburgh Press
1960Edgar MunzelChicago Sun-Times
1961Ed RumillChristian Science Monitor
1962Ray KellyPhiladelphia Bulletin
1963Bob WolfMilwaukee Journal
1964Lou HatterBaltimore Sun
1965Joe McGuffKansas City Star
1966Hal LebovitzCleveland Plain Dealer
1967Bob AddieWashington Post
1968Watson SpoelstraDetroit News
1969Dick YoungNew York Daily News
1970Bob HunterLos Angeles Herald-Examiner
1971Bob StevensSan Francisco Chronicle
1972Max NicholsMinneapolis Star
1973Joe HeilingHouston Post
1974Jack HermanSt. Louis Globe-Democrat
1975Charley FeeneyPittsburgh Post-Gazette
1976Richard DozerChicago Tribune
1977Earl LawsonCincinnati Post
1978Bill ListonBoston Herald American
1979Jean Paul SaraultMontreal Matin
1980Phil CollierSan Diego Union
1981Raymond Kelly, Jr.Camden Courier-Post
1982Tom FlahertyMilwaukee Journal
1983Randy GallowayDallas Morning News
1984Jim HennemanBaltimore Sun
1985Sheldon OckerAkron Beacon Journal
1986Tracy RingolsbyDallas Morning News
1987Gerry FraleyAtlanta Constitution
1988Vern PlagenhoefBooth Newspapers
1989Phil PepeNew York Daily News
1990Gordon VerrellLong Beach Press-Telegram
1991Kit StierOakland Tribune
1992Pat ReusseMinneapolis Star Tribune
1993Neil HohlfeldHouston Chronicle
1994Rick HummelSt. Louis Post-Dispatch
1995Paul MeyerPittsburgh Post-Gazette
1996Jerome HoltzmanChicago Tribune
1997Hal McCoyDayton Daily News
1998Jim StreetSeattle Post-Intelligencer
1999Bob ElliottToronto Sun
2000Charles ScogginsLowell Sun
2001Ian MacDonaldMontreal Gazette
2002Bill CenterSan Diego Union-Tribune
2003Paul HagenPhiladelphia Daily News
2004Drew OlsonMilwaukee Journal Sentinel
2005T.R. SullivanFort Worth Star-Telegram
2006Peter SchmuckBaltimore Sun
2007Paul HoynesCleveland Plain Dealer
2008Bob DuttonKansas City Star
2009Dave O'BrienAtlanta Journal-Constitution
2010John LoweDetroit Free Press
2011Ken DavidoffNewsday
2012Bill ShaikinLos Angeles Times
2013Susan SlusserSan Francisco Chronicle
2014LaVelle E. Neal IIIMinneapolis Star Tribune
2015Jose de Jesus OrtizHouston Chronicle
2016Derrick GooldSt. Louis Post-Dispatch
2017Patrick SaundersDenver Post
2018Clark SpencerMiami Herald
2019Rob BiertempfelThe Athletic, Pittsburgh
2020Paul SullivanChicago Tribune
2021C. Trent RosecransThe Athletic (Cincinnati)
2022Larry StoneSeattle Times
2023Shi DavidiSportsnet (Toronto)
2024Chad JenningsThe Athletic (Boston)
2025Bob NightengaleUSA Today

Notable Contributions by Leaders

Joe S. Jackson, the inaugural president of the BBWAA from 1908 to 1919, was instrumental in establishing the organization's foundational bylaws and advocating for improved working conditions for baseball journalists during the early professionalization of . As the sporting editor of the , Jackson led efforts to secure dedicated press facilities and protections against arbitrary restrictions by teams, setting precedents that protected writers' access amid the league's initial expansions and structural changes in the . Susan Slusser, who served as BBWAA president in 2013, became the first woman to hold the position, marking a significant advancement in diversity within the organization and inspiring increased participation by female journalists. Her leadership highlighted the contributions of writing, correlating with a gradual rise in female membership and voting eligibility, as the BBWAA's ranks grew to include more diverse voices in subsequent years. LaVelle E. Neal III, who served as BBWAA president in 2014, became the first African American to hold the position, further advancing diversity in . Jerome Holtzman, a longtime BBWAA member and later president in 1996, was a key advocate for statistical innovations in , notably pushing for the formal adoption of the save rule in 1975, which provided a standardized metric to recognize relief pitchers' value beyond traditional wins. Holtzman's earlier invention of the save statistic in 1960, refined through BBWAA proposals, influenced this rule change and transformed pitching evaluations, emphasizing situational effectiveness in late innings. Bob Nightengale, serving as BBWAA president in 2025, oversaw the organization's vote to introduce the and National League of the Year awards, set to debut in 2026 amid ongoing discussions about the evolving role of bullpens in modern . This marked the first new BBWAA award since the Manager of the Year in 1983, reflecting leaders' commitment to updating recognition for specialized pitching contributions. Collectively, BBWAA presidents and officers have driven expansions in awards and media inclusivity, such as the decision under oversight to admit web-based writers, broadening the association's scope to encompass while maintaining standards for MLB coverage. These efforts have ensured the BBWAA remains adaptable to baseball's changing landscape, from statistical reforms to diverse membership representation.

References

  1. https://bbwaa.com/about/
  2. https://www.nybbwaa.com/about
  3. https://ourgame.mlblogs.com/baseball-reporting-ed6a31977c05
  4. https://www.encyclopedia.com/arts/educational-magazines/ryder-frederick-bushnell-1871-1936
  5. https://sabr.org/latest/pomrenke-take-a-seat-the-1908-world-series-and-the-origin-of-the-bbwaa/
  6. https://jacobpomrenke.com/writing/take-a-seat-the-1908-world-series-and-the-origin-of-the-bbwaa/
  7. https://jasonscollection.weebly.com/programs--yearbooks.html
  8. https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/mvp.shtml
  9. https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/roy.shtml
  10. https://sabr.org/journal/article/1952-baseball-winter-meetings-changing-demographics-and-broadcast-challenges/
  11. http://baseballanalysts.com/archives/2007/12/bbwaa_opens_up.php
  12. https://baseballhall.org/hall-of-famers/first-bbwaa-hof-election-1936
  13. https://bbwaa.com/cea/
  14. https://www.mlb.com/news/bbwaa-removes-j-g-taylor-spink-s-name-from-writing-award
  15. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/46059968/bbwaa-begin-relief-pitcher-year-award
  16. https://bbwaa.com/constitution/
  17. https://bbwaa.com/local-chapters/
  18. https://baseballhall.org/hall-of-fame/election-rules/era-committees
  19. https://bbwaa.com/members/
  20. https://baseballhall.org/hall-of-fame/election-rules/bbwaa-rules
  21. https://bbwaa.com/25-hof-voters/
  22. https://bbwaa.com/voter-database/
  23. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1666182/2020/03/09/rosenthal-why-clubhouse-access-matters/
  24. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2001082/2020/08/17/dollars-and-sense-when-it-comes-to-safety-white-sox-not-sorry-about-their-rules/
  25. https://bbwaa.com/awards/
  26. https://www.mlb.com/awards/most-valuable-player
  27. https://www.mlb.com/awards/cy-young
  28. https://www.mlb.com/awards/rookie-of-the-year
  29. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/Manager_of_the_Year_Award
  30. https://www.mlb.com/awards/outstanding-dh
  31. https://bbwaa.com/voting-faq/
  32. https://www.si.com/mlb/baseball-awards-voting-process-explaining-how-each-award-decided
  33. https://www.mlb.com/news/when-are-2025-mlb-awards-announced-mvp-cy-young-rookie-of-the-year
  34. https://baseballhall.org/discover-more/awards/884
  35. https://baseballhall.org/news/2025-BBWAA-Career-Excellence-Award
  36. https://www.mlb.com/news/thomas-boswell-wins-bbwaa-career-excellence-award
  37. https://www.baseball-almanac.com/awards/aw_spink.shtml
  38. https://www.nybbwaa.com/annual-awards
  39. https://www.nybbwaa.com/
  40. https://www.mlb.com/press-release/press-release-attendees-for-boston-bbwaa-awards-dinner
  41. https://2025stlbbwaadinner.rsvpify.com/
  42. https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/8559110/susan-slusser-becomes-first-woman-head-bbwaa
  43. https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/article/Women-trying-to-gain-a-foothold-in-e-sports-10904199.php
  44. https://jewishsportshof.org/listings/jerome-holtzman/
  45. https://www.si.com/mlb/2019/06/04/mariano-rivera-yankees-closers-saves
  46. https://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/bbwaa-votes-to-add-relief-pitcher-of-the-year-to-end-of-season-awards-in-2026/
  47. https://x.com/BNightengale/status/1959374805012230443
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