The New York Chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) has announced its annual slate of honorees, a list that highlights both the internal culture of the New York Mets and the resilience of those who support the game behind the scenes. According to reporting from MLB.com, the organization’s media relations stalwart Ethan Wilson and veteran Peter Botte have been named co-winners of the Arthur and Milton Richman “You Gotta Have Heart” Award.
The award recognizes individuals within the baseball community who have demonstrated exceptional fortitude in the face of adversity. For Wilson, a fixture in the Mets’ media relations department since 1999, the honor follows a grueling period of recovery from emergency brain surgery. His return to health has been a focal point for the organization, marked by an outpouring of support from across the sport, including a personal video message from Tom Brady and a hospital visit from Francisco Lindor.
A Culture of Recognition Beyond the Diamond
The Mets’ presence on the list extends well beyond Wilson. Francisco and Katia Lindor were selected for the Joan Payson and Shannon Forde Award for their extensive community service efforts. This recognition arrives shortly after Francisco Lindor received the Roberto Clemente Award, Major League Baseball’s highest off-field honor. During his visit with Wilson at the hospital, Lindor noted the importance of these connections, remarking that Wilson’s sister described the Mets organization as a “whole different family that she didn’t know she had.”
Howie Rose, who retired in September, was also named as the recipient of the William J. Slocum and Jack Lang Award for long and meritorious service. Rose’s inclusion is particularly notable given his own history with the BBWAA; he previously received the “You Gotta Have Heart” Award in 2023 after a successful battle with bladder cancer.
The “Good Guy” and the 1997 Subway Series
The awards further acknowledge the professional ecosystem that surrounds the team. Bo Bichette was named the recipient of the Ben Epstein and Dan Castellano “Good Guy” Award, recognized for his cooperation and assistance to the media throughout the season. Steve Bieser was honored with the “You Could Look It Up” Award. Bieser’s recognition stems from a unique piece of baseball trivia: his pinch-running performance during the inaugural Subway Series in 1997, which successfully baited Yankees pitcher David Cone into a run-scoring balk.
