On Tuesday, the Lou Marsh Trophy was awarded to golfer Mike Weir. For those who aren't familiar with the Lou Marsh Trophy, it is given annually to Canada's outstanding athlete.
Mike Weir had a great year. He finished fifth on the PGA Tour money list, won three events and most importantly, he became the first Canadian to win a PGA Tour major when he captured the Masters in April. Having said that, Mike Weir did not deserve to win the Lou Marsh Trophy for 2003. Another Canadian athlete had a better year.
The award should have gone to Eric Gagne. Gagne didn't only have a good year, he had a perfect year. He had a season for the ages. He saved all 55 games he entered. You can't perform better than that. He is the first pitcher ever to record more than 50 saves in two different seasons and he holds the major league record with 63 consecutive saves dating back to last season. He won the National League Cy Young award becoming only the second Canadian to do so and the first relief pitcher to do so in 11 years.
Weir is far from an embarrassing choice but he is the wrong choice. This year belonged to Gagne. At least he won the Tip O'Neill Award...whatever that is.
