The Los Angeles Sports Council has named Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw and Angels outfielder Mike Trout as the 2014 Sportsmen of the Year. Each player won the Most Valuable Player Award in their respective league, which is the first time a Dodger and an Angel have been so recognized in the same year.

The pair will be honored during the 10^th Annual LA Sports Awards, presented by Coca-Cola, which will be held on Sunday, March 15 at The Beverly Hilton Hotel.

The LA Sports Awards are presented annually by the Sports Council to celebrate the greatest moments of the year in sports in the Los Angeles/Orange County area.

Kershaw produced one of the most incredible seasons ever by a pitcher last season. With a won-loss record of 21-3, including a June 18 no-hitter against the Rockies, and an ERA of 1.77 – the lowest in baseball in 14 years – Kershaw was a unanimous selection as National League Cy Young Award winner as well as the first pitcher to win the NL MVP Award since 1968.  Kershaw is the first two-time winner of the Sportsman award (2011).

In 2014, Trout further secured his standing as the game’s best all-around player. In combining offensive firepower (36 home runs and leading the league in both runs scored and runs batted in) and spectacular defense, the 23-year-old was a unanimous choice as the American League MVP. He was also MVP of the 2014 All-Star Game.

When 2014 MVPs Mike Trout and Clayton Kershaw faced each other at Dodger Stadium on August 5, 2014, Trout singled in the first inning, doubled in the third inning and Kershaw struck him out looking in the sixth inning. It was exactly what you would expect from two of the best in the game. (Photo credit – Ron Cervenka)

The star-studded awards dinner and gala will be televised by Fox Sports West/Prime Ticket (air dates TBA), and will include special appearances by many of the athletes and coaches whose achievements helped make 2014 such a memorable sports year.

The ceremony also will feature the presentation of the Sportswoman, Coach, and Sports Executive of the Year awards, plus a countdown of the Top Ten moments.

The Sportsman of the Year award is given to the local male athlete whose performance and character best exemplified the ideals of sportsmanship during the 2014 calendar year. Previous honorees are: Chris Paul, Clippers (2013); Jonathan Quick, Kings (2012); Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers (2011); Derek Fisher, Lakers (2010); Pau Gasol, Lakers (2009); Kobe Bryant, Lakers (2008); David Beckham, Galaxy (2007); Elton Brand, Clippers (2006); Matt Leinart, USC football (2005).

(Article courtesy of the Los Angeles Sports Council)