Highlights from the Greater Cleveland Sports Awards, Baker Mayfield wins professional athlete of the year

The 19th Annual Greater Cleveland Sports Awards took place Thursday night in at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel Grand Ballroom. ESPN’s Hannah Storm was the emcee for the event, and the “Professional Athlete of the Year” award went to Cleveland Browns QB Baker Mayfield, who beat out fellow teammate CB Denzel Ward, Cleveland Indians pitcher Corey Kluber, and Cleveland Indians third baseman Jose Ramirez. Former Indians catcher Sandy Alomar Jr, was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Baker Mayfield Takes Home the Top Award

He may have been short-changed in the NFL offensive rookie of the year voting, but QB Baker Mayfield took home the top award at the event, “Professional Athlete of the Year.” Browns owner Dee Haslam, GM John Dorsey, and head coach Freddie Kitchens were at the event along with Mayfield.

“If you believe in me, I’ll probably take a bullet for you,” said Mayfield as he accepted the award. “I can’t thank this city enough.” The media flocked to Mayfield backstage afterward. Here he is talking about expectations for the 2019 season:

And then what it means to win the professional athlete of the year award:

And lastly, here is Mayfield talking about building on the foundation created this past season moving forward:

Silent Auction

It only makes sense to capitalize on the popularity of Browns QB Baker Mayfield when it comes to raising money. The starting bid for Mayfield’s college jersey was $1,000. The starting bid for the NFL Draft helmet started at $400.

Bernie Kosar Talks Baker Mayfield

Bernie Kosar is a staple at these awards every year, and beforehand, he was raving about what QB Baker Mayfield can do in 2019:

Mascots United

It’s always fun to see all the Cleveland mascots united in one spot:

Moment of the Year

The Browns were also involved in the sports moment of the year — the Bud Light fridges being unlocked after beating the Jets!