The Times’ Mike Downey Is Named Sportswriter of Year in California

Times columnist Mike Downey has been selected as sportswriter of the year in California by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Assn.

Downey, who has been with The Times since 1985, previously was sportswriter of the year in Michigan in 1983 and 1984 while writing for the Detroit Free Press.

Vin Scully, longtime voice of the Dodgers, was named California sportscaster of the year.

Bob Costas of NBC was named national sportscaster of the year, and Frank Deford of Sports Illustrated was named national sportswriter of the year.

Jim Murray of The Times, who has won the national award 14 times, was a finalist.