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 Each year, the Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity presents the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award to the Major League Baseball Player who best exemplifies the spirit and character of Brother Lou Gehrig, both on and off the field. This award is the first and only “officially” sanctioned Major League Baseball award given to ballplayers by a fraternity.
Lou Gehrig was a distinguished member of Phi Delta Theta and a man of integrity. The award was created to acknowledge an individual player’s outstanding commitment to both his community and philanthropy.
Since the award’s inception in 1955, the name of each recipient has been placed on the permanent Gehrig Award plaque, located at the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York. In 2012, Phi Delta Theta rededicated the award through the generous support of the following brothers:
 Chris W. Brussalis, Allegheny ’87- Roy H. Cunningham, West Virignia ’93
- George E. Grady, Arizona ’53
- W. L. Gray, Jr., Texas Christian ’70
- Kenneth Michael Jastrow II, Texas-Austin ’69
- Richard W. Kelley, Nebraska-Lincoln ’60
- Stephen “Tio” Kleberg, Texas Tech ’69
- Jeffrey B. Love, Vanderbilt ’71
- Frederic B. Lowrie, Jr., Butler ’71
- Charles W. Poore, Jr., South Dakota ’61
- James M. Trapp, Knox ’56
- Gary R. Wade, Tennessee-Knoxville ’70
The nominees for this year’s Lou Gehrig Memorial Award have recently been sent to the selection Committee. The Lou Gehrig Memorial Award Committee is a team of alumni brothers associated in some capacity with Major League Baseball, selects the recipient. Though any active Major League Baseball player is eligible to receive a vote on his behalf, the committee does utilize a nomination process. The suggested nominees consist of the most qualified candidates submitted to the committee, including nominations from a player’s team, Phi Delt alumni clubs, and individuals.
This year’s nominees are quite an impressive group as they all have been all-stars and three out of the five are the most recent recipients of the prestigious Hutch Award. The award will be decided prior to the start of the 2013 regular season and will be handed out before its conclusion.
This Year's Nominees
 JAKE PEAVEY. Pitcher White Sox
Nominated by Chicago White Sox-2013
Age: 31 MLB Service: 12 Years Born: Mobile, AL
Off the Field: Despite facing personal physical challenges over recent years battling injuries, Jake Peavy’s commitment to the community never waned to help those facing their own challenges. While Peavy continues to work with the White Sox Volunteer Corps, and partners with Ronald McDonald House Charities, the majority of his community outreach efforts are in support of active military and veterans. He, along other White Sox players, formed the “True Heroes” program, where they visit veterans’ hospitals both in Chicago and on the road. Under Peavy’s leadership, wounded veterans are invited to a game once per month during the season to meet players and enjoy an evening of White Sox baseball. The pitcher has formed and maintains friendships with a number of military veterans and also is considered a leader in “Strikeouts for Troops,” which provides comforts of home and lifts the spirits and morale of injured troops during treatment at military hospitals nationwide. Since its inception, Strikeouts for Troops has raised several million dollars through contributions made by more than over 70 professional baseball players, fundraising events, fan donations and corporate partnerships. He also supports cancer research and the fight against autism.
On the Field: The southpaw was injured July 6, 2010 after a severe tear of his right latissimus dorsi tendon after being traded from the San Diego Padres to the Chicago White Sox. Most speculated Peavy’s playing career was over, but Peavy underwent surgery and dedicated himself to a brutal rehab schedule. In the midst of his post-surgery routines, his 52-year-old father, Danny, was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis. Peavy remained dedicated to both his family and his team, flying to Alabama to be with his father in the hospital, where he would often perform his rehab exercises in the waiting room. Miraculously, Peavy was able to pitch in spring training and actually started for the White Sox on May 11, 2011, completely defying the odds and everyone’s expectations. He pitched six innings, registered 93 mph on the radar gun, and struck out four – all less than a year after most thought his baseball career might be over. In 2012, Peavy continued to defy expectations and quell the doubters, winning “Pitcher of the Month” honors for April, being named an American League All Star for the first time, and receiving a 2012 American League Gold Glove Award, the first of his career. He has a lifetime career ERA of 3.46 and a total of 120 wins and 93 losses.
 DAVID PRICE. Pitcher-Tampa Bay Rays
Nominated by Tampa Bay Rays-2013
Age: 28. MLB Service: 5 Years. Born: Nashville, TN
Off the Field: In 2008 Price founded Project One Four to support programs and charities in the local Tampa Bay and hometown Nashville, Tennessee that provide opportunities for youth to learn life skills in a safe and supportive environment. David holds an annual golf tournament, bowling event, and banquet to raise funds for local organizations. Last year Project One Four donated backpacks, school supplies, and laptops to local children in need. He also made monetary donations Boys and Girls Club locations totaling more than $26,000. The recent bowling tournament benefitted Big Brothers Big Sisters. Through his twitter account David recruited bowlers, met with each, and raised $10,000 for Big Brothers Big Sisters. David also participated in a PSA for the BBBS Sports Buddies Program (an activity-based mentoring program aimed to increase male involvement in BBBS programming).
The Rays launched the South St. Petersburg Neighborhood Initiative in response to the tragic 2009 shooting of 8-year-old Paris Whitehead in South St. Petersburg. As a part of this program Price helped create the Dugout Club program in 2010 and has since recruited several other players to expand the program. He sponsors two recreation centers in South St. Petersburg each summer and serves as a role model, teaching the kids about staying healthy, positive, involved and smart. David visits his clubs twice throughout the summer to address the youngsters about making positive choices and working hard. He also provides t-shirts to the centers and presents them with a $2,000 check, the “angel fund” to help with additional expenses. Price and the other players recently hosted the 1,000-plus Dugout Club children at a Rays game. David has volunteered with the Miracle League (which arranges “buddies for kids with disabilities the opportunity to play baseball outdoors in a safe, fun-filled environment) and has donated approximately $10,000 in funding.
On February 3, 2012 David partnered with the Ted Williams Museum to host "An Evening with David Price" at Tropicana Field. The event was attended by approximately 400 people and as a result more than $20,000 was raised for the City of Largo’s Youth Sports Participation Scholar Fund, Burg Baseball, a youth baseball program in St. Petersburg and the Miracle League of St. Petersburg.
On the Field: In 2012 David Price was awarded the prestigious Cy Young award. He finished the 2012 season tied for first in the American League in wins and led the AL with a 2.56 ERA. He also became the Rays first 20-game winner in 2012 as well. David was selected to his third All-Star game in 2012, most ever by a Rays pitcher. His 50 wins since the start of 2010 are 4th most in the majors during that span. His career record of 57-31 (.647) represents the greatest winning pct. in team history.
 BILLY BUTLER. Designated Hitter and First Base Kansas City Royals
Nominated by Kansas City Royals-2010
Age: 26. MLB Service: 6 Years. Born: Orange Park, Florida
Off the Field: Butler and his wife, Katie, have volunteered at the Bishop Sullivan Center, Kansas City’s largest single-site provider of emergency assistance since 2007. In 2008, the Butlers introduced the “Hit a Ton” campaign to feed the hungry every time Butler hit a home run. In 2009, Butler and sponsoring companies donated two tons of food and raised $10,000. Butler has also actively encouraged fans to get involved by offering autographed memorabilia and attendance at a pre-game tailgate party. In this effort, fans have given over $200,000 in the first three years of the program. In addition to their work with the “Hit a Ton” campaign, Billy and his wife lead the charge each year for the annual Royals Wives Food Drive, hosting silent auction events, selling grab bags, and by appearing at autograph sessions at local Hy-Vee grocery stores. For the collection of his efforts in the community, he received the Hutch Award in 2012. This award is given to a Major League Baseball player who best exemplifies the honor, courage and dedication of baseball great Fred Hutchinson, both on and off the field.
On the Field: After making his debut in 2007, Butler has had a very strong start to his young career. After showing great potential in 2007, being named the American League Rookie of the Month in July, Butler lived up to his potential in 2009 as the American League Player of the Week twice, and the American League Player of the Month in the month of September. He was rewarded as the Les Milgram Royals Player of the Year in 2009, 2010 and again in 2012. He is the only player to receive such an honor since the 1986 Gehrig Winner, George Brett. In 2010 he led the team batting average, RBIs, walks and on base and slugging percentage. In 2011 he became a DH. In 2012 he demonstrated that the move to make him exclusively an offensive player was a smart decision as he became the 2012 Edgar Martinez Outstanding DH Award and won a Silver Slugger Award. In 2012, Butler had his best season yet with career highs in RBIs (107), HRs (29), hits (192), batting average (.313) and slugging average (.501).
 TIM HUDSON. Pitcher- Atlanta Braves
Nominated by Atlanta Braves-2010
Age: 37. MLB Service: 14 Years. Born: Columbus, Georgia
Off the Field: Since arriving in Atlanta in 2005, Tim and his wife, Kim, have become staples in the community, establishing the Hudson Family Foundation, impacting the lives of children with a genuine need for assistance in regard to a physical, emotional, or financial circumstance. In 2009, $29,000 was raised at the Foundation’s launch event. The Hudsons also have a strong relationship with the Make-a-Wish Foundation (MAWF), serving as the ambassadors for the program in Georgia and Alabama. The Hudsons have hosted 10 critically-ill children at Turner Field each season. He has also helped (MAWF) raise money for other wishes by serving as an honorary co-chair of their annual black-tie dinner. In 2008, this award raised $300,000 and in 2009, $140,000. Each holiday season, the Hudsons invite 75 children to Toys ‘R Us and provide a $50 gift card to all of the children, while hosting a party featuring games, clowns, and food. In 2010 he gave $200,000 to his alma mater, Chattahoochee Valley Community College and also received the NL Hutch Award in 2011.
On the Field: During his career with the Oakland A’s and Atlanta Braves, Tim Hudson has been a stalwart of a pitcher in his team’s rotation. With a lifetime ERA of 3.42, Hudson has had a winning record in each season of his career. He was recognized as an All Star in 2004 and in 2000 when he also led the American League in wins. In 2001 and 2006 he led his respective league in starts. In 2010 he won the MLB Players Choice Comeback Award and Pitcher of the Month in August. In 2012, he had 3.62 ERA, with 16 wins, 7 losses.
 BARRY ZITO. Pitcher- San Francisco Giants
Nominated by San Francisco Giants-2009
Age: 34. MLB Service: 13 Years. Born: Las Vegas, Nevada
Off the Field: Zito founded Strikeouts for Troops to provide the comforts of home to war-wounded troops returning from Afghanistan and Iraq. Zito provides game tickets to groups of veterans and individuals who have volunteered their time to help people who have served their country, and raises money for wounded soldiers. In 2008, he received an award from Disabled American Veterans for his work and helped inaugurate the new Barry Zito Giants Field in Stockton, California that benefits the Stockton Junior Giants League in which over 1,000 children participate. In 2006 he received the Sporting News “Good Guy” Award and was the recipient of Dave Stewart’s Community Service Award while a member of the A’s. The Zitos support the St. Anthony Foundation, which provides thousands of meals every day to San Francisco's hungry and homeless. They've been instrumental in assisting the foundation's efforts to rebuild its dining hall. Other organizations the Zitos are involved with include the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Muscular Dystrophy Association, Special Olympics, Make-A-Wish Foundation, global illiteracy, organ donation and cancer research. On Jan. 30, 2013 Zito received the prestigious Hutch Award.
On the Field: A three-time All-Star, and 2002 winner of the American League Cy Young Award, Barry Zito has finished in the top 10 in strikeouts in three of his nine full major league seasons in his respective league, and led the American League in starts in four of his six seasons with the Oakland Athletics. In the 2012 during their World Series campaign, the Giants won Zito's last 14 starts -- 11 in the regular season and three in the postseason. He went 7-0 with a 3.92 ERA in that regular-season stretch to finish with a 15-8 record and a 4.15 ERA. This was the 2nd World Series that Zito helped win during his 5 years in San Francisco.
 The True Blue Society is Phi Delta Theta’s alumni loyalty association that supports the Fraternity’s alumni and communication programming. In addition to having a chance to attend the Gehrig presentation when joining, members also receive a subscription to the printed edition of The Scroll, lapel pin, membership certificate, and discounts for entertainment, travel, and at retailers such as Brooks Brothers. If you join during the current membership campaign, you will also receive a very special True Blue executive tie. To hear why ESPN Broadcaster and Phi, Trey Wingo joined the True Blue Society, click here.
To find out more about the True Blue Society and to join, click here.
 Iron Phi was developed as a way to strengthen both Phi Delta Theta and its impact on the fight against Lou Gehrig's disease. Through the fundraising efforts of members of Phi Delta Theta on the way to achieving personal athletic goals, the Fraternity is mobilizing its membership base to help the Phi Delta Theta Foundation and The ALS Association achieve their missions. To
become an "Iron Phi", members of Phi Delta Theta (undergraduates and
alumni) must select an athletic endeavor (marathon, half-marathon,
running relay, triathlon, duathlon, ironman, bike race, etc.), raise
$1,000 during the training for that athletic event, and accomplish the
athletic event itself.
Learn more about becoming an Iron Phi.
Lou Gehrig Memorial Award Winners (Listed in Chronological Order)
*Indicates Hall of Famer
1955 - Alvin Dark, New York Giants, Shortstop- Member of Phi Delta Theta (Louisiana State '45)
1956 - *Pee Wee Reese, Brooklyn Dodgers, Shortstop
1957 - *Stan Musial, St. Louis Cardinals, First Base
1958 - Gil McDougald, New York Yankees, Second Base
   
1959 - Gil Hodges, Los Angeles Dogers, First Base
1960 - Dick Groat, Pittsburgh Pirates, Shortstop
1961 - *Warren Spahn, Milwaukee Braves, Pitcher
1962 - *Robin Roberts, Baltimore Orioloes, Pitcher
 
 
1963 - Bobby Richardson, New York Yankees, Second Base
1964 - Ken Boyer, St. Louis Cardinals, Third Base
1965 - Vern Law, Pittsburgh Pirates, Pitcher
1966 - *Brooks Robinson, Baltimore Orioles, Third Base
   
1967 - *Ernie Banks, Chicago Cubs, First Base
1968 - *Al Kaline, Detroit Tigers, Right Field
1969 - Pete Rose, Cincinnati Reds, Right Field
1970 - *Hank Aaron, Atlanta Braves, Right Field
   
1971 - *Harmon Killebrew, Minnesota Twins, First Base
1972 - Wes Parker, Los Angeles Dodgers, First Base
1973 - Ron Santo, Chicago Cubs, Third Base
1974 - *Willie Stargell, Pittsburgh Pirates, Left Field
   
1975 - *Johnny Bench, Cincinnati Reds, Catcher
1976 - *Don Sutton, Los Angeles Dodgers, Pitcher
1977 - *Lou Brock, St. Louis Cardinals, Left Field
1978 - Don Kessinger, Chicago White Sox, Shortstop
   
1979 - *Phil Niekro, Atlanta Braves, Pitcher
1980 - *Tony Perez, Boston Red Sox - First Base
1981 - Tommy John, New York Yankees - Pitcher
1982 - Ron Cey, Los Angeles Dodgers, Third Base - Member of Phi Delta Theta (Washington State '70)
   
1983 - *Mike Schmidt, Philadelphia Phillies, Third Base
1984 - Steve Garvey, San Diego Padres, First Base
1985 - Dale Murphy, Atlanta Braves, Center Field
1986 - *George Brett, Kansas City Royals, Third Base
   
1987 - Rick Sutcliffe, Chicago Cubs, Pitcher
1988 - Buddy Bell, Cincinnati Reds, Third Base
1989 - *Ozzie Smith, St. Louis Cardinals, Shortstop
1990 - Glenn Davis, Houston Astros, First Base
   
1991 - Kent Hrbek, Minnesota Twins, First Base
1992 - *Cal Ripken Jr., Baltimore Orioles, Shortstop
1993 - Don Mattingly, New York Yankees, First Base
1994 - Barry Larkin, Cincinnati Reds, Shortstop
   
1995 - Curt Schilling, Philadelphia Phillies, Pitcher
1996 - Brett Butler, Los Angeles Dodgers, Center Field
1997 - Paul Molitor, Minnesota Twins, Designated Hitter
1998 - Tony Gwynn, San Diego Padres, Right Field
   
1999 - Mark McGwire, St. Louis Cardinals, First Base
2000 - Todd Stottlemyre, Arizona Diamondbacks, Pitcher
2001 - John Franco, New York Mets, Pitcher
2002 - Danny Graves, Cincinnati Reds, Pitcher
   
2003- Jamie Moyer, Seattle Mariners, Pitchers
2004 - Jim Thome, Philadelphia Phillies, First Base
2005 - John Smoltz, Atlanta Braves, Pitcher
2006 - Trevor Hoffman, San Diego Padres, Pitcher
   
2007 - Mike Timlin, Boston Red Sox, Pitcher - Member of Phi Delta Theta (Southwestern '88)
2008 - Shane Victorino, Philadelphia Phillies, Center Field
2009 - Albert Pujols , St. Louis Cardinals, First Base
2010 - Derek Jeter, New York Yankees, Shortstop
   
See links to all past winners online at Baseball Almanac.
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