Little League World Series Champ Mo’ne Davis Voted Sports Illustrated Sports Kid of the Year for 2014
Sports Illustrated Kids made what was arguably its most important decision of the year when it nominated 13-year-old baseball phenom Mo'ne Davis as its official "Sports Kid of the Year" for 2014.
According to the Sports Illustrated Kids website, the class of athletes in 2014 who were in the running for the title was rich in talent, with nominees including Olympians amongst others. However, the publication said that in the end, "one 13-year-old with a wicked 70-mile per hour fastball stood out from the rest."
The official announcement of Davis' selection was made Monday on Twitter by none other than First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama.
Davis, who also happens to be an honor roll student, made headlines this past summer as a member of the Philadelphia Taney Dragons Little League baseball team.
As part of that team, Davis became the fourth female ever to play in the Little League World Series (LLWS), the first female pitcher to win a LLWS game in its entire 75 year history, and the first female to pitch a shutout during the LLWS.
As tributes to her feats of athleticism, Davis was not only featured as the first Little Leaguer to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated (August 2004), but on top of that her baseball jersey will be put on display at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Additionally, Davis will be honored during the annual Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year ceremony, slated to take place in New York City on Dec. 9, according to a Sports Illustrated representative.
"When Mo'ne pitched the historic shutout at the LLWS, she did more than just play a boys game," Sports Illustrated Kids said on its website. "She dominated it, showing the nation that a girl can throw heat, too."
Aside from this year's LLWS accomplishments, Davis has shown record-smashing talent in several other sports as well. She has reportedly helped her school sports team capture 13 titles in basketball, soccer and baseball. Off the field, Davis has been on the honor roll since second grade and last year received an award from her school that is given to the student who "has great tenacity in everything she does and inspires others to do their best work."
"Mo'ne's achievements rank among the finest by any athlete at any level this year," said Sports Illustrated Kids Managing Editor Mark Bechtel. "She reminded us all -- adults included -- that there are no limits to what we can accomplish."
The annual Sports Illustrated Sports Kid of the Year honor was first introduced in 2007 and was created as a way to recognize outstanding young athletes who excel on the field, according to a magazine representative.
For the latest news & updates, follow reporter Bary Alyssa Johnson on Twitter: @MissBary
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