San Francisco, Calif. -- San Francisco Giants left-handed pitcher Will Smith was selected as the winner of the 2018 "Willie Mac" Award, the club announced today.
The Willie McCovey Award is an annual honor bestowed upon the most inspirational player on the team, as voted upon by Giants players, coaches, training staff, clubhouse staff, the fans and Willie McCovey himself. This season marks the 38th anniversary of the award, which was established in 1980, in honor of legend and Hall of Famer Willie McCovey. Engraved on the plaque that Smith will receive are the words "Competitive Spirit, Ability and Leadership" to characterize the qualities both McCovey and Smith exemplify.
Smith, who missed all of last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, was one of the Giants' top relievers this year, posting a record of 2-3 with a 1.90 ERA while going 14-for-18 in save opportunities. He's held opponents to a .179 batting average against and registered 70 strikeouts in just 52.0 innings pitched, the seventh-highest strikeout per 9.0 inning ratio (12.12 SO/9) among NL relievers. His 1.90 ERA is the second-lowest among all NL relief pitchers and his .179 average against ranks as the seventh-lowest figure in the NL. Smith is the 10th Giants pitcher to win this award and just the third reliever.