Longtime Philadelphia writer Paul Hagen has won the J.G. Taylor Spink Award for baseball coverage.
The Baseball Writers' Association of America announced the award Tuesday at the winter meetings. Hagen will be honored at the Hall of Fame's induction weekend July 26-29 in Cooperstown, N.Y.
The 61-year-old Hagen has spent nearly 40 years covering the game and won the award for “meritorious contributions to baseball writing.” He beat out Jim Hawkins and Russell Schneider in a vote by BBWAA members.
Hagen started his career covering the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1974 for the San Bernardino Sun-Telegram. He later covered the Texas Rangers for 10 years with the Dallas Times Herald and Fort Worth Star-Telegram, then joined the Philadelphia Daily News in 1987. He worked last season for MLB.com.
Phillies President & CEO David Montgomery said the Phillies are delighted at the news and that Hagen is "most deserving of this prestigious award."
"Paul has a tremendous affinity and respect for the game of baseball. His incredible work ethic and consistently enjoyable writing style have served our game and its fans very well. We heartily congratulate Paul on his well deserved selection and look forward to his induction in Cooperstown next July."
