Established the David Wright Foundation in 2005 to aid children in need in the NYC and Norfolk, VA areas... Hosts the annual "Do The Wright Thing Gala" to raise money for the Foundation... Received the 2008 Baseball Assistance Team (BAT) Bart Giamatti Award for the organization's service... Honored with a 2008 Thurman Munson Award for athletic accomplishment and contribution to the community... Received the 2008 Joan Payson Award for community service from the NY Chapter of the BBWAA... Received the 2008 NJ Sports Writers "Sports Humanitarian Award."
Even through the lens of a pair of recent brushback pitches -- one of which cost him his first trip to the DL -- David Wright manages to handle the most trying experiences with dignity and leadership. Read More >
The Torii Hunter Project is a long-term effort to impact youth in need, with four areas of focus: Sports, Community, Education, and Wellness... The Project's Education Initiative provides students with college scholarships and character development curriculum in Anaheim, Pine Bluff, Las Vegas and Minneapolis... Helped to fund a youth softball park, Torii Hunter Field, now home to Boys & Girls Clubs and the Angels' RBI League... The Project partners with Little League Baseball's Urban Initiative to help improve and maintain baseball diamonds in cities... Served as Angels team rep for MLB's Home Run Challenge to benefit the Prostate Cancer Foundation... Elected 2007 Marvin Miller Man of the Year for on-field and off-field performances.
Torii Hunter is the real deal when it comes to his role as one the best outfielders in the game today. But perhaps his greatest skill can be found off the field, that as a natural-born leader. Read More >
Participated in the Dodgers Caravan each of the last three seasons ... Visited the Weingart Center, a comprehensive human services center for the homeless located near "Skid Row" in downtown L.A., and the Union Rescue Mission in L.A. ... Visited The Walter Reed Hospital in Washington D.C. ... Participated in "The Chef Jeff Project," a Food Network show that gives at-risk teens a chance to turn their lives around through culinary art. ... Distributed dinners to those in need at the Dodger Turkey Giveaway in November. ... Donated over $2,000 worth of gifts at Best Buy for pre-selected youths to have a holiday shopping spree. ... Best Buy then matched his contribution.
With Manny Ramirez having lost his power this summer, it is Andre Ethier who is the most productive of the Dodgers, and now he's vying with Matt Kemp as the club's most valuable position player. Read More >
Participated in the Astros Caravan, which visited 18 cities in 12 days, making private visits to schools, hospitals, senior centers and youth centers, as well as public stops to sign autographs for fans across Texas and Louisiana... Roy and his wife Nicole and their two daughters live in Weir, MS (population 525)... He used the bulldozer he received as a gift from Astros' owner Drayton McLean for winning Game 6 of the 2005 NLCS to break ground on the "Home Plate Fish & Steakhouse," the first restaurant in his tiny community, creating jobs and a meeting spot for local residents...
Whether harvesting watermelons as a kid on his grandfather's farm or trying to pitch his way out of a bases-loaded jam, Roy Oswalt knows of only one way to do things -- keep your head down, stay quiet and make sure you're working harder than the next guy. Read More >
Tim is recognized as one the most community-minded individuals in the game... Created in 1998, the "Wakefield Warriors" program enables patients from the Franciscan Hospital for Children to watch BP and visit with Tim before all Tuesday home games... Honored by the Hospital with their Community Leadership Award in 2003... Raises money and awareness for the Space Coast Early Intervention Center, a not-for-profit preschool and children's therapeutic center... Hosted the 16th annual Tim Wakefield Celebrity Golf Classic with proceeds benefiting the center... Participates in Garth Brooks' Teammates for Kids Foundation... Co-hosted the "Pitching In for Kids" Charity Golf Tournament & Party with Jason Varitek... Met with Jimmy Fund patients and visited kids at Boston Children's Hospital... Nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award seven times (1998, 2000-2005)...
All-time wins leader for a storied franchise like the Red Sox? That will be a laudable accomplishment, for sure. In truth, however, Wakefield has long been a leader. Read More >
Alongside longtime friend and teammate Jim Thome, partnered with Children's Home + Aid, a leading child and family service agency in Illinois, through the "Bring Me Home Campaign" to raise awareness and support for the needs of foster children and familiesÂ… Children's Home + Aid is recognized for establishing best practices and achieving outstanding results through its programs and services that focus on child abuse prevention, healthy child development and strengthening familiesÂ….Traditionally hosts a Chicago-area foster family via the Children's Home + Aid program for the weekend at the White Sox' Spring Training facility in Glendale, Arizona...
There never is a time when Paul Konerko puts personal accolades or his own accomplishments above the good of the team, and that mind-set makes him stand out as a leader. Read More >