SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Ryan Vogelsong revived his career this season in San Francisco. The journeyman right-hander became an unlikely All-Star and among the most reliable pitchers for the reigning World Series champions.
A non-roster invitee to spring training on a minor league deal, Vogelsong’s feel-good story and emergence earned him the Giants’ “Willie Mac” Award on Friday. The honor is named for Hall of Famer Willie McCovey and is voted on by the players, coaches and training staff to recognize the team’s most inspirational player both on the field and in the clubhouse.
Vogelsong toiled through three seasons in the Japanese League before Triple-A stints last year for the Phillies and Angels. In the Bay Area with the team that originally drafted him in 1998, Vogelsong became a front-line starter.
