Memorable moments from the ESPY Awards

LOS ANGELES―Espn’s annual Espy Awards took place on Wednesday night in Los Angeles. He also still appears around the country doing stand-up comedy.

McHale opened the show with a couple of backstage sight gags with athletes like Mo’ne Davis and American Pharaoh jockey Victor Espinoza.

“I hope you don’t look back on this evening and think, ‘Man, I’ve wasted three hours of my life with this boring nonsense.’ You know, like the Mayweather/Pacquiao fight”. Awards are handed out for both teams and individual athletes, as well as for specific events, such as “Best Upset” and “Best Game“. “I want to thank all the women athletes who are here for being the change we want to see in the world”, she said. Hill battled brain cancer while playing basketball for the Mount St. Joseph’s women’s team.

In addition to hosting the awards, the comedian presented the first award of the night.

Last year, a 4-year-old little girl by the name of Leah Still stole our hearts. She gained the support of millions of fans and she honored all of them by fighting cancer day in and day out. During her acceptance speech, she shared that comrades searched for her wedding ring after the loss of her arm. This prevented Leah, now 5 years old, from attending Wednesday’s show, but it didn’t stop Still from delivering a heartfelt speech that made every dry eye, teary. It was clear that he needed her just as much as she needed him. Her skill, poise and humility are a refreshing change from the “typical” star athlete in today’s sports world. Caitlyn Jenner will receive the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage.

After the Best Play Espy was awarded to Odell Beckham Jr., Retired Yankee Derek Jeter was given the Espy Icon award by Boston native Ben Affleck.

Among those receiving awards is Caitlyn Jenner. “Sheer athletic accomplishment definitely deserves that award”.

ESPN Stats and Info notes that an National Basteball Association player has won Best Male Athlete in each of the last five years after only one National Basteball Association player won it in the ESPY’s first 18 years.