Chicago, IL – The Chicago Scouts Association is pleased to announce Michael Brdar as the 2021 recipient of the Charlie Donovan Memorial “Passion for the Game” Award.  The award, which is sponsored by the Chicago Scouts Association, is given to an individual who has exhibited passion for their craft within the baseball industry.

Michael, a 27-year-old Michigan product who’d been the Giants’ minor league hitting coordinator, was just named on November 22nd as the San Diego Padres hitting coach.

Before joining the Giants, Michael was on staff at the University of Michigan, where he also played collegiately until the Cardinals drafted him in the 36th round in 2017.

During his two playing years at Michigan, Michael was a force at the shortstop position, where he committed just three errors in his senior season and finished with an impressive .969 career fielding percentage.  He was named to the All-Big Ten Conference First Team as a senior and earned an ABCA/Rawlings All-Mideast Region second team selection after posting a .310 batting average and leading the Wolverines with 75 hits on the year.  His senior leadership at the plate and in the middle infield helped guide the Wolverines to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2015.

Michael is highly regarded in the industry for his ability to connect with people, teach and develop game plans.  Former Michigan Wolverine, Joe Donovan said, “The infectious energy, personality, passion, knowledge of the game and pure joy that Mike brings to the field every single day makes the game a better place to be.  Mike embodies everything this award hopes to represent and I couldn’t be happier to see him receive Charlie’s award”.  It’s that determination that makes Michael the perfect recipient of Charlie’s award.

Past recipients:

• 2016:  Pierson Gibis
• 2017:  Chris Singleton
• 2018:  Bren Spillane
• 2019:  Mike Rizzo 

The award is a custom design and the creation of Barnwood Sports Design, designer of custom made home plates.

The mission of the Chicago Scouts Association is to perpulate the sport of baseball within the Chicago land area, to enhance the community spirit and to provide for the well-being of our youth through positive and supportive endeavors.