The Baseball Writers' Association of America will present its Career Excellence Award to Paul Hoynes on Saturday, July 25, during Hall of Fame Weekend. The honor spotlights a journalist whose byline has become synonymous with Cleveland baseball for more than four decades.
Four Decades of Baseball Coverage
Hoynes began his ascent in local newspapers before joining The Plain Dealer's baseball beat in 1983. Over the years he has filed roughly 6,000 stories, chronicling everything from the early days of the Guardians to the recent challenges of wildfire smoke and rain‑delayed doubleheaders.
Challenges and Resilience
The job of covering 162 games a year is demanding, as commentator Terry Pluto has noted. A recent weekend illustrated that reality: smoke from Canadian wildfires postponed a game, forcing a doubleheader that included a rain delay. Hoynes has also faced a serious health battle, undergoing stomach cancer surgery in 2022, yet he returned to the beat and continues to report on the team.
A Rhythm That Sustains
Through the ebb and flow of the baseball season, Hoynes has found a rhythm that keeps him engaged. He enjoys interacting with fans through email, often responding to questions and sharing insights from the press box. His longevity reflects both a deep love for the game and an ability to adapt to its ever‑changing landscape.
A Legacy Among Northeast Ohio Hall of Fame Writers
Hoynes joins an elite group as the fourth Baseball Hall of Fame writer from Northeast Ohio, following in the footsteps of Gordon Cobbledick, Hal Lebovitz, and Sheldon Ocker. His recognition underscores the region’s rich tradition of baseball journalism and the high regard in which his peers hold him.