The Banner recognized with sports journalism awards
The Baltimore Banner and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette earned Associated Press Sports Editors Triple Crowns, a distinction that recognizes sustained excellence across multiple areas of sports journalism.
According to a release, the honor was part of broader recognition for both newsrooms, whose work was cited for reporting, writing, visual storytelling and digital presentation. Winners from this year’s contest were recognized at the recent APSE Summer Conference banquet in Arlington, Virginia.
The APSE contest is a national benchmark for sports journalism. For newsrooms, the recognition signals their coverage stands out among peers for its depth, ambition and ability to help readers understand the teams, people and institutions shaping sports.
The Banner won four first-place honors and was the only publication to take the top spot in four writing categories in the 2025 APSE contest. The Banner and the Post-Gazette are part of the Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism. The Post-Gazette produced its recognized work before joining Venetoulis.
“The best sports journalism isn’t just about wins and losses. It’s about the people, institutions and moments that shape our communities and give us shared experiences,” said Audrey Cooper, editor-in-chief of The Banner. “Sports coverage is news, it’s entertainment and it also tells us about the region we call home. So it’s especially rewarding to see our team recognized by industry leaders for the curiosity, rigor and humanity they bring to work every day.”
Orioles reporter Andy Kostka won team beat writing, and sports columnist Kyle Goon won column writing. Paul Mancano won explanatory reporting for a story that examined why no player has hit a home run far enough to strike the B&O Warehouse beyond right field at Oriole Park at Camden Yards and what it would take to reach it.
The Banner also took first place in event coverage for its reporting on the 150th and final running of the Preakness Stakes before the demolition of Pimlico Race Course. The coverage was produced by Goon, Childs Walker, Giana Han, Giacomo Bologna and The Banner’s photo staff.
The Banner’s recognition also extended to accountability and enterprise journalism. Julie Scharper, Justin Fenton, Brenna Smith, Jonas Shaffer and Han placed fourth in APSE’s investigative category for reporting on allegations of inappropriate behavior against then-Ravens kicker Justin Tucker. The Banner was the only smaller-division publication to finish among the top 10 in the category, which was open to all news organizations.
Photo via APSE: Banner sports staff members Paul Mancano, Giana Han and Kyle Goon receive a Triple Crown plaque from Associated Press Sports Editors President Paul Barrett.
