2015 ESPYs Preview
The ESPYs were introduced to the world in 1993 as an awards ceremony to specifically recognize achievement in the sports world. Since its inaugural ceremony 22 years ago, which was immortalized by the stirring Jim Valvano speech after he was honored as the first recipient of the Arthur Ashe Courage and Humanitarian Award, the awards have grown into one of the biggest social events on the American sporting calendar, with the guest lists each year reflecting a cross-section of the sports and entertainment world.
Early in its history, the ESPYs contained tongue-in-cheek categories such as Outrageous Play of the Year, Outstanding Perfomance by a Sports Personality in an attempt to Break into Show Business, and Outstanding Performance by a Sports Personality in a Commercial. Today, they now focus almost exclusively on excellence and achievement on the field, along with recognition of service and courage through awards like the aforementioned Arthur Ashe Award, the Pat Tillman Award for Service, and the Jimmy V Award. The sports recognized have also reflected the evolution of sporting trends and awareness in America, as categories for disabled athletes and action/extreme sports athletes have been added over the years.
This year, Joel McHale, host of E! Network’s “The Soup” and star on NBC’s hit comedy “Community,” will be hosting the ceremony, where 32 awards will be presented. This year’s award categories are as follows:
Best Male Athlete
Best Female Athlete
Best Championship Performance
Best Breakthrough Athlete
Best Record-Breaking Performance
Best Upset
Best Game
Best Team
Best Coach/Manager
Best Comeback Athlete
Best Play
Best International Athlete
Sports-specific awards: Best Players for MLB, NHL, NFL, NBA, MLS, WNBA, tennis (male and female), college (male and female); Best golfer (male and female); Best Jockey; Best Bowler; Best Driver; Best Athlete with a Disability (male and female); Best Action Sports Athlete (male and female); Best Fighter.
Also getting recognized with the special awards of the night are Caitlyn Jenner, receiving the Arthur Ashe Award; Danielle Green, who lost her arm in Iraq, receiving the Pat Tillman Award for Service; and Devon and Leah Still receiving the Jimmy V Award.
From Rodgers to Rousey; from Lionel to Lindsey; from K to J.J.; from racehorses to snowboarders, to basketball players to disabled triathletes – the cream of the crop will be recognized for their achievements in Los Angeles this week, so tune in on ABC and TheAOSN’s live blog of the 2015 ESPYS.
