The fact Rays manager Joe Maddon was named the Chuck Tanner Manager of the Year comes as no surprise, as it was first announced over a month ago.

But who is accepting the honor for Maddon this Saturday may be.

With Maddon on his honeymoon this week, there will be a special guest to receive the honor in his place Saturday at a banquet in Pittsburgh. Scott Challis, father of late Pittsburgh teen John Challis, will accept the award for Maddon.

John Challis inspired the Rays -- and Maddon -- in their trip to Pittsburgh this season. At 16, Challis was diagnosed with liver cancer, and courageously created his own foundation (courageforlifefoundation.org), drawing national attention from ESPN, and a special invite from Maddon to meet him during the Rays-Pirates series.

Maddon said he would forever remember Challis, whom he kept in touch with until the teen passed away in August.

The Chuck Tanner Manager of the Year Award was created last year by the Pittsburgh Rotary Club in honor of the former Pirates manager. Joe Torre won the inaugural award. Former players, executives and media members vote on the award, given to "the manager that best exemplified Chuck Tanner's managing and leadership qualities."

Maddon is also the odds-on favorite to win baseball's prestigious AL Manager of the Year Award on Wednesday, when the Baseball Writers' Association of America announces the result of its annual vote.

Joe Smith, Times Staff Writer

joesmith@sptimes.com

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