George Washington University Athletics
Baseball's Muhl Named 2017 Jackie Robinson Award Recipient
4/13/2017 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
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WASHINGTON - George Washington baseball senior Eddie Muhl was recognized on Wednesday evening as the 2017 recipient of the Jackie Robinson Award during a ceremony at the Marvin Center Continental Ballroom.
GW's Jackie Robinson Society has annually bestowed the award upon a GW Baseball player who exhibits the qualities that reflect the attributes of the legendary sports hero, who famously broke Major League Baseball's color barrier in 1947.
Muhl broke onto the national scene as a sophomore in 2015 when he led the NCAA with a GW single-season record of 17 saves. A two-time ABCA All-East Region Second Team selection, Muhl currently has 34 career saves with five coming this season. He is currently tied for second in the NCAA for career active saves.
Pitching coach Rick Oliveri presented the award to Muhl and recapped his on field success both at George Washington and over the summer of 2016 in the prestigious Cape Cod League. Muhl was named the Cotuit Kettleers Pitcher of the Year while being named an All-Star in the acclaimed summer collegiate league.
Oliveri explained to the audience how Muhl carries himself with class both on and off the field and is a strong presence as he meets and exceeds expectations while representing the baseball team's mantra of "attitude and effort" in all walks of life. Oliveri also shared how Muhl is a leader on the field to GW's young pitching staff, which includes seven first-year pitchers, and holds himself and his teammates accountable by taking pride in the details and being the toughest competitor he can be.
Muhl was gracious in accepting the award and thanked his family, including his younger brother, Tommy, which he identified as his role model. The Sherman Oaks, California, native also thanked his fellow seniors for having his back both on the field and away from the diamond, and recognized a pair of baseball alums in attendance - Craig LeJeune and Luke Olson, for their guidance and helping him develop as a pitcher and a person.
Celebrating its 21st anniversary in 2017, the Jackie Robinson Society sponsors discussions about Robinson and its members participate in community service projects associating his name and life's work with good deeds. GW students were inspired to form the society after taking a course titled "Jackie Robinson: Race, Sports and the American Dream."
The course, offered by Dr. Richard Zamoff of GW's Department of Sociology, explores the impact of Jackie Robinson's entry into the game of baseball, the major leagues and to American society.
Each spring for the past 20 years, Dr. Zamoff has organized Jackie Robinson Week, which has included commemorative programs, panel discussions, museum exhibits and other events designed to promote the Jackie Robinson legacy and to illustrate the historical and current relationship between race and sports in America.
Past winners of the Jackie Robinson Award include Travis Crowder, Tom Shanley, Michael Parker, Joe Michalski, Dan Pfau, Derek Haese, Brian Frazier, Gavin Swanson, Bobby Lucas Jr., Tommy Gately, Max Kaplow, Ryan Xepoleas, Brookes Townsend and Matthieu Robert.
