The D-Backs Third Annual MVP Awards: A Recap of a Home Run Worthy Celebration

D-backs President & CEO Derrick Hall opening the show (Photo Credit: Jennifer Stewart/AzDiamondbacks)

By: Cindy G. Castillo

The Arizona Diamondbacks sure know how to throw a unique party, and this year’s Third Annual Most Valuable Partners Awards was no exception.

Presented by the Diamondbacks Corporation, both D-backs players and executives sported their most formal attires to recognize the D-backs’ partners in a variety of categories.

Hosted by the Gila River Casinos’ Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino this past Thursday, Jan. 16, the event was a mixture of entertainment, fun, and creativity all wrapped up in one night.

Among the highlights of the night was a fun “Family Feud” game where the D-Backs’ players faced their rivals for the night – their very own corporates. This was followed by an entertaining musical performance presented by the sales team.

The night was followed by a decadent dinner followed by a special song composed out of the theme songs of the D-Backs’ most valuable partners.

And last but not least the highlight of the night was of course the awards presentation, which included notable recognition among categories such as Community Champion, D-Backs Ambassador, and Fans’ Choice Award, among others.

Here is a complete list of the winners for the night:

D-backs President & CEO Derrick Hall hosting D-backs Family Feud with the “players” team in the background (L-R) – D-backs second baseman Aaron Hill, D-backs outfielder A.J. Pollock, D-backs pitcher Josh Collmenter, D-backs first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, D-backs pitcher J.J. Putz (Photo by: Jennifer Stewart/AZDiamondbacks)

• Community Champion – Western Refining (Presenters – D-backs Vice President of Community and Corporate Impact Debbie Castaldo and D-backs Legend and Special Assistant to the President & CEO Luis Gonzalez)

• Brand Integration –Subway (Presenters: D-backs pitchers Josh Collmenter and J.J. Putz)

• D-backs Ambassador –Safelite (Presenters: D-backs TV broadcasters Steve Berthiaume and Bob Brenly)

• Marketing Activation –Budweiser and Pepsi (Presenters: D-backs Corporate Partnerships Services Director Kerri White and D-backs outfielder AJ Pollock)
  Rookie of the Year –Safelite (Presenters: D-backs radio broadcasters Jeff Munn and Tom Candiotti)

• Lifetime Achievement – APS (Presenters: D-backs General Manager Kevin Towers and D-backs second baseman Aaron Hill)

• Fan Choice –Taco Bell (Presenters: D-backs Vice President of Corporate Partnerships Judd Norris and D-backs pitcher Josh Collmenter)

• MVP Award –Silver: Sanderson Ford // Gold: Gila River Casinos (Presenters: D-backs President & CEO Derrick Hall and D-backs first baseman Paul Goldschmidt)

Undeniably, the night was a complete homerun where recognition was given to the efforts of those who partner and become part of the Arizona Diamondback family.

D-backs Executive Vice President Cullen Maxey performing on drums with the band FAWTSY (Find A Way To Say Yes) – the band is made up of all of our Corporate Partnerships department (Photo by: Jennifer Stewart/AZDiamondbacks)

A performance by FAWTSY (Find A Way To Say Yes) – the band is made up of all of our Corporate Partnerships department (Photo by: Jennifer Stewart/AZDiamondbacks)

D-backs first baseman and D-backs President & CEO Derrick Hall announcing the winner of the MVP Gold Award (Photo by: Jennifer Stewart/AZDiamondbacks)

MVP Silver Winner – Sanderson Ford (from L-R): D-backs first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, Sanderson Ford President David Kimmerle, Sanderson Ford Marketing Jenny Kester, D-backs President & CEO Derrick Hall, Sanderson Ford Director of Advertising Max Sirstins (Photo by: Jennifer Stewart/AZDiamondbacks)

MVP Gold Winner – Gila River Casinos (from L-R): D-backs first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, Gila River Casinos Governor Gregory Mendoza, D-backs President & CEO Derrick Hall, Gila River Casinos CEO John James (Photo by: Jennifer Stewart/AZDiamondbacks)