Baseball in Fort Wayne

Posts Tagged ‘Roberto Clemente’

I have been meaning to mention this, but just haven’t gotten around to it yet. Former Wizard, Michael Cuddyer recently returned to the lineup for the Minnesota Twins. He looks to be slotted at DH, but still has lingering pain and likely will not be relied upon too heavily the remainder of the season (and if the Twins hit the post-season).

But regardless of his on-the-field endeavors the rest of the season, Cuddyer is also nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award this year.

The award recognizes the player who best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual’s contribution to his team. It is named in honor of the former Pirates outfielder whose spirit and goodwill will always be remembered. Clemente died in a plane crash while attempting to transport relief supplies to earthquake-stricken Nicaragua on Dec. 31, 1972.

Cuddyer has done extensive work and fundraising efforts for the Boys & Girls club of the Twin Cities and serves on the board of directors of the Twins Community Fund to help direct grant funds to other charities among several other philanthropic activities.

• More information about Roberto Clemente and the Award
• Vote for Cuddyer by clicking here and following the instructions

When LaTroy Hawkins came to the New York Yankees, he reported to Spring Training and wore number 22. Then, Morgan Ensberg – who was randomly given number 21 as a non-roster invitee – willingly forfeited number 21. Hawkins saw an opportunity to honor an international hero; Yankees fans saw an opportunity to be idiots (IMHO):

Hawkins eagerly accepted No. 21 as a tribute to Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente but quickly learned that a pinstriped No. 21 has other meanings for Yankees fans. Unaware he was donning a number that had not been worn since O’Neill retired following the 2001 World Series, Hawkins was booed when introduced on Opening Day at Yankee Stadium. Fans chanted “Paul O’Neill” during one of his appearances in the Bronx [source: MLB.com].

Hawkins was urged by Mariano Rivera, Derek Jeter and other Yankees players to forget the number because of the “headaches” it caused.

Hawkins will wear No. 22, last worn by Roger Clemens, when the Yankees take the field on Wednesday. He had said that he would be interested in wearing No. 42 on Tuesday as a tribute to Jackie Robinson, but declined to change his number for the game against the Rays.

Hawkins also has a yellow “Retire 21″ sticker from retire21.org on the side of his locker [source: ESPN.com].