BJ Moore to Receive 2023 PBA Steve Nagy Sportsmanship Award
PBA Tour athletes recognize Moore’s continuous generosity and class
BJ Moore of Greensburg, Pa. has been voted the 2023 PBA Steve Nagy Sportsmanship Award recipient.
Nine players earned nominations from PBA players who competed in over half of 2023 national tour events. Moore received a plurality of the votes at 28%, followed by Chris Via at 20% and Jakob Butturff at 16%.
Arturo Quintero, Chris Barnes, Brandon Runk, Richie Teece, Keven Williams and Jake Peters also received votes.
“It’s an honor,” Moore said. “Because it's not something that you just go out and try to win. It’s literally voted amongst everyone that you're surrounded by, so it just kind of shows your true character. I think there's no other way to put it, it's just an honor to be able to accept it.”
However, in true Nagy-recipient fashion, Moore said he was surprised to receive the award.
“When you see Chris Via’s name on the ballot, you just figure that’s a lock,” Moore said. “He’s super personable, always nice to literally everyone and always has a smile on his face. So I honestly did not expect [to receive this award] at all.”
Moore has long been among the PBA Tour’s most respected players. Players like EJ Tackett, Jason Belmonte and Via himself have commended Moore’s character.
A prime example of Moore’s sportsmanship came in 2022 as Moore was set to face Belmonte in match play of the PBA Shark Championship. Belmonte arrived right as competition began, allowing Moore the opportunity to bowl ahead and win at least the first game.
Instead Moore waited until Belmonte was ready to begin the match, which Belmonte later won. Before the championship round that night, Belmonte thanked Moore.
“[Moore] was not obligated to wait for me for our match this morning, but he did,” Belmonte said. “You’re a true gentleman. I really appreciate what you did and I won’t forget it.”
Moore said he wants to allow fellow players to have the same opportunities that he has, and then let the best man win.
“I have always been a firm believer of the cliché saying about how you treat people how you want to be treated, especially after having kids,” Moore said. “If someone needs help, you try to help them out. You try to be kind and compassionate to everyone. You never know what anyone is going through in their day-to-day life; someone is always in a worse position than you are. I try not to take anything for granted, and to show my kids a better way to live.”
The PBA’s sportsmanship award honors Steve Nagy, a PBA Hall of Famer and founding member. He was instrumental to the early success of the PBA. The award has been awarded since 1966, the year of Nagy’s death.
Recent PBA Steve Nagy Sportsmanship Award Recipients
Jake Peters, 2022
Jake Peters, 2021
Brad Miller, 2020
Martin Larsen, 2019
Tom Smallwood, 2018
Chris Loschetter, 2017
Tom Smallwood, 2016
Josh Blanchard, 2015
Brett Spangler, 2014
Ryan Shafer, 2013
Martin Larsen, 2012