IL picks Gilhooley as award's 1st winner
5/9/2010The International League has created a new award - and a Toledoan will be the first person to receive the honor.
Long-time broadcaster Frank Gilhooley will receive the "Spirit of the International League" award in a ceremony at Fifth Third Field on Sunday, May 16.
According to the IL, the award was created this year to honor a behind-the-scenes worker - such as ushers, concessions workers, public address announcers and broadcasters - who "dedicate themselves on a nightly basis to helping fans have the most enjoyable experience possible."
"During a baseball game these days there are many, many individuals in and around our ballparks who impact the fan experience," International League president Randy Mobley said. "Some are visible and others are not so visible, but each and every one of them is vital to the success of the operation of their team and the International League.
"With the creation of this award we will look forward to annually recognizing an individual who has clearly demonstrated a fan-centered approach on a daily basis."
Gilhooley will be honored in an on-field ceremony on May 16, with Mobley on hand to present the IL award.
Gilhooley teamed with Jim Weber to broadcast Mud Hens home games on a daily basis from 1986 to 2007. Gilhooley also broadcast games for the Toledo Sox of the American Association in the 1950s and he was the sports director at WTVG Channel 13 for many years.
Gilhooley is a 1942 graduate of Central Catholic High School, and he played baseball and basketball at the University of Notre Dame.
Gilhooley is the son of Frank Gilhooley Sr., who was elected to the IL's Hall of Fame in 2008.
- John Wagner