Little Leaguer and Philadelphia native Mo’ne Davis has been chosen as Sports Illustrated’s 2014 SportsKid of the Year, it was announced on Monday.
The annual award given by Sports Illustrated honors a young athlete whose character is notable on and off the field and has made a significant impact on their community.
Earlier this year Davis became an overnight sensation when she helped lead Philadelphia’s Taney Dragons to the Little League World Series. It was not only Taney’s first-ever trip to Williamsport, it also marked the first time a female tossed a shutout in the tournament. Davis blanked Tennessee in the opening game, launching her into the national spotlight.
Taney was ultimately ousted by Chicago just one win away from the U.S. championship game. During the tournament Davis became the first Little Leaguer to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated in the magazine’s 60-year history.
Since the series, Davis has also tossed the first pitch at a Major League World Series game, starred in a Chevrolet car commercial directed by Spike Lee, donated her jersey to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, and cut the ceremonial ribbon at the start of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
Sports Illustrated will be presenting Mo’ne with the SportsKid of the Year award during an event in Philadelphia on December 8 at 11 a.m. at Lincoln Financial Field. More than 200 local middle school students will also be invited to an activity day focusing on the importance of healthy eating and exercise with players from the Philadelphia Eagles.
Davis will receive her award from Sports Illustrated Managing Editor Chris Stone and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter.
Davis’ autobiography, “Mo’ne Davis: Remember My Name,” is currently slated for release on March 17, 2015 by HarperCollins Children’s Books.
