Wednesday night, Seattle’s top names in the sports community gathered in Benaroya Hall for the 76th Annual Sports Star of the Year Awards.

If you are any kind of fan, then you need to attend one of these.  Part cocktail party, part ESPY’s, it’s a unique collection of season ticket holders, athletes, corporate sponsors, coaches, front office execs, broadcasters and writers.  You feel like you “almost” recognize just about every person in the room, but no one looks in place in their suit and tie.

This year had its share of highlights, but the sentimental moment for me (predictably) revolved around Dave Niehaus.  There was the standard video montage, but it was made more special by the man who introduced the clip.  I can’t explain exactly what made it so cool, but seeing Keith Jackson – the real Keith Jackson – on stage seemed surreal.  I know he’s a WSU grad and former KOMO broadcaster.  But when a national legend takes time from his schedule to pay tribute to the memory of our local Play-by-Play man, you begin to appreciate the breadth of Niehaus’ popularity.  

Kudos to the Seattle Sports Commission for doing a great job pulling this event together.  They did a great thing by saving it when the P-I went out of business.  

It goes without saying that a room full of sports stars, legends and fans makes for a great party.  Try to fit this in your 2012 plans next year.