2010 was called "the year of the pitcher" in Major League Baseball. There's probably no place that was typified more than here in Philadelphia. The Phillies traded for Roy Halladay in December of last year. For years, he'd been dominant pitching in the toughest division in baseball, the AL East. Most people felt he would have a big year moving to the National League. Calling last year "big" for him might be an understatement.
On May 29th, 2010 he pitched the 20th perfect game in MLB history in a 1-0 win over the Florida Marlins. On October 6th, he threw just the second no hitter in postseason history when he beat the Reds in game one of the NLDS. He became only the fifth pitcher to throw two no hitters in the same season and the first to do so since 1973. He also led the majors in innings pitched and wins.
After the season, Halladay was named the 2010 National League Cy Young award winner, the fourth Phillie to win the award. He's just fifth pitcher in MLB history to win the award in both leagues. The list of other honors he's racked up is impressive. MLB Clutch performer of the year, Baseball America Major League player of the year, Philadelphia Sports Writers pro athlete of the year, USA Today Cy Young, & The Sporting News Pitcher Of The Year.
He flat out delivered in every sense of the world. Every time he took the mound Phillies fans felt confident they'd see a in that night. In fact, he won 18 games at Citizens Bank Park. Plus, he probably gave us the quote of the year in local Philly sports...
My intent with the Philly Sportsman of the year is to be a lot like the Time magazine person of the year. It's not always the nicest person or even the most talented, but more the one who had the most influence over the local sports scene. It didn't even have to be an actual player... But this year, the guy who was the nicest and most talented also happened to be the most influential and popular. Roy Halladay is the clear choice for Philadelphia Sportsman Of The Year.
The voting was done through a poll of the contributors here on SBNation Philly along with the writers on all the SBNation Philadelphia sites.
Other receiving votes (in order)
Michael Vick - Not only has he been great on the field, but there's probably not been a Philly athlete that more ink has been spilled over and more hours of discussion has been dedicated to than Vick
Ruben Amaro Jr. - Talk about generating headlines... Although it wasn't all done in this calender year (missed by 15 days) Amaro acquired Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt & Cliff Lee giving the Phillies one of the great pitching rotations in memory.
Andy Reid - Not only does he have the moxie to trade Donovan McNabb to a division rival, but after a year of preparations for Kevin Kolb to start he switches to Michael Vick when he thinks Vick gives him a better shot to win. But perhaps his greatest feat was turning Vick into a great all around QB. Plus, he won his 6th NFC East title.
Chris Pronger - Much like Halladay, here was a guy who was billed as great and really came in and delivered. He was in many ways the face of the Flyers' Stanley Cup run. The classic guy who you love on your your team but hate to play against. He's a villain, but he's our villian so we love him. Also won a gold medal for Canada this year.
Cliff Lee - Didn't actually play for a Philly team in 2010, but has to be considered one of the top 5 stories of the year in local sports. His return was a shock, but to spurn greater offers from the Yankees and Rangers is why Cliff Lee will always be loved by Phils fans.
Sebastien Le Toux - Lead the expansion Philadelphia Union in goals with 14 and 11 assists, which were also the most in MLS. He also started the MLS all start game vs Manchester United and was named to the MLS Best 11, which makes up the best 11 players in the league in a given year. He also won the MLS fair play award after receiving no cards all year.
Carlos Ruiz - Was an unsung hero for the Phillies all year long. Chooch is a major fan favorite.
Mike Richards - The Flyers captain received just one fifth place vote. Richards was fantastic during the Flyers Stanley Cup run, but his place on this list is probably a testament to Pronger being the "face" of the Flyers run.