"The reason I'm here tonight is because of all your love for me," Murcer told a crowd of writers, players, Hall of Famers and fans at the 85th annual New York BBWAA dinner. "That's what's sustained me and that's what's given me the strength to be here tonight and to fight this deadly disease."

While Murcer was just one winner among many on Sunday, his award meant something more. And the crowd certainly punctuated that, honoring him with a rousing standing ovation after new Yankees manager Joe Girardi presented the award.

"Bobby, you've inspired us with all the hits and the great catches," Girardi said, "but you've never inspired us more than with the way you live your life."

Johnny Damon, honored for his community service, needed awhile to compose himself after a veteran who lost his left arm in Iraq introduced him. Damon is active with the Wounded Warrior Project, and he seemed genuinely humbled and moved. ...

A-Rod also recalled a funny story about new Hall of Famer Goose Gossage, his teammate on the 1994 Seattle Mariners. A-Rod was 18 then, and he remembers calling his mom to tell her that the great Goose Gossage wouldn’t let him use the players’ bathroom on the team plane. Gossage, who was 43, would send A-Rod to the front of the plane, so he’d have to shuffle past the fiery manager, Lou Piniella.