One of the main highlights of the Lowell Spinners’ Annual Dinner on January 19 was the emotional presentation of the Greg Montalbano Award. This year the award honored the husband-wife team that leads the Wareham Gatemen, President Tom Gay and Vice President Sheri Gay.

The award was created in memory of Greg Montalbano, a minor league southpaw pitcher from Westborough, who played for the Gatemen and Lowell Spinners. He died of testicular cancer in 2009 at the age of 31.

Presenting the award was Greg’s sister, Kristen, who was in attendance along with members of the Montalbano family as were friends and executives from the Wareham Gatemen and the Cape Cod Baseball League.

“The Montalbano family and our family have become one over the years and last night was somewhat bittersweet as receiving the award was so very special to Sheri and me,” said Tom, whose family housed Greg at their home. “But it’s also a reminder we lost a very special person in Greg. While most people know of his talent on the field, the real superstar was the person off the field.”

He was drafted by Boston in 1999 and pitched in the Red Sox system for five years for Lowell, Sarasota, Trenton and the Portland Sea Dogs. He was released by the Red Sox in 2001 and later played for the Worcester Tornadoes in the Can-Am League. There, he became virtually unstoppable with a 0.86 ERA. He continued to play, even as he was receiving treatments after being in remission.

“He touched so many people in a positive way, while suffering an unforgiving disease,” said Tom. “Even now, after his death, he continues to help young children suffering from illness in a positive manner. His dream of helping continues in One Ball, Two Strikes Inc., a non-profit corporation which raises money to send sick children on adventures such as camping trips, fishing, etc.”

Proceeds from the dinner and the evening’s silent auction went to the Joann Weber Charitable Fund, named after the late wife of Spinners’ owner Drew Webber.