Jim Phillos named 2026 Shevy Wright Sportsman of the Year

Shevy Wright Sportsman of the Year 2026

Jim Phillos-Midwest Heat

This award is not intended for the law enforcement officer who excels in community service or the player who dominates on the field.  Instead, it honors the player who exemplifies the spirit of police softball.  Shevy Wright was a young man who, although stricken with a terminal illness, absolutely loved police officers and police softball.  So much so, he was sworn is as an honorary member of the Chander (Arizona) Police Department and threw out the World Series first pitch in Palm Springs in WS IV.  Shevy passed away a few weeks after that first pitch and this award was renamed in his honor.

Jim Phillos from the Illinois faction of Midwest Heat is tailor made for this award.  He is a hard nosed competitor on the field but away from the field he is one of the friendliest guys you will ever meet and goes out of his way to extend a hand in friendship.  Jim will drink a beer with you, chat about old school pro wrestling and 1980’s hair metal.  Jim is reliable to his team and seems to never miss a tournament, because being a veteran of the circuit (and in life) Jim knows tomorrow is never guaranteed.  That said, it is an honor to name Jim Phillos from the Midwest Heat with the Shevy Wright Sportsman of the Year award.  He will be recognized on the field during opening ceremonies on Friday evening at the World Series.