CLEVELAND, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – Guardians’ All-Star third baseman Jose Ramirez took home the hardware Wednesday night at the 23rd Greater Cleveland Sports Awards.
Ramirez was named the ‘Pro Athlete of the Year’ for 2022, besting Browns running back Nick Chubb and Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen for the honor.
“That was cool,” Guardians manager Terry Francona said. “I remember sitting up in the suite while they were [announcing the finalists] and being like, ‘Jose’s gotta win’ and that was the first time all night where I was probably doing a little yelling.
“He deserves it. The other two guys are awesome, but Jose, he’s been top-five [in the game] the last four or five years and that’s hard to do.”
Ramirez thanked fans and the voters in a video message played after the announcement.
The ceremony held at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse was hosted by former Browns left tackle and 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist Joe Thomas.
The Case Western Reserve University women’s soccer team won the ‘Female Collegiate Athlete of the Year’ award while Kent State basketball sensation Sincere Carry took home the ‘Male Collegiate Athlete of the Year’ award.
Kate Clute of Olmsted Falls was honored as the ‘Female High School Athlete of the Year’ for her success running cross country as well as track and field. Shaker Heights hockey standout Tyler Lencewicz was named the ‘Male High School Athlete of the Year’ winner.
Glennville head football coach Ted Ginn Sr. was presented with the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for his success on the field and mentorship of young men off the field. Ginn has coached the Tarblooders since 1997, leading them to their first State Championship in Division IV this past season. Ginn helped to establish Ginn Academy in 2007. Over 300 student athletes have attended college, including 100 scholarships thanks to Ginn’s efforts.
Avon Lake’s Maya Austerman received the courage award after working to overcome exercise-induced laryngeal obstruction – a condition often mistaken for asthma that causes the vocal chords to close rather than open during intense exercise – and continue her high school basketball career.
Louise Easton received the 5-star senior athlete award. The 84-year-old is a highly decorated triathlete and world champion who has competed in multiple national senior games.