|
 |
|
Esta página no está disponible en español. Governor Rendell Proclaims Roberto Clemente Day As Part Of National Hispanic Heritage Month … Nat’l Nominees For The 2004 Roberto Clemente Award
Governor Rendell Proclaims Roberto Clemente Day In Pennsylvania September 22, 2004 HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today proclaimed Sept. 22 as Roberto Clemente Day throughout Pennsylvania in joint commemoration with Major League Baseball. As part of National Hispanic Heritage Month, the Governor and Major League Baseball are honoring one of the greatest baseball players and humanitarians ever to play for a professional team in the Commonwealth. Clemente played his entire 18-year career with the Pittsburgh Pirates and led his team to two World Series championships, providing countless memories for fans in Western Pennsylvania and throughout the country. "During his life, Roberto Clemente set a standard of distinction, which we can all emulate," Governor Rendell said. "He was not only a star on the playing field, but also a generous humanitarian whose unselfish acts and generosity make him an international hero. It is fitting that this tribute comes during the first week of National Hispanic Heritage Month as a testament to Latinos in Pennsylvania and throughout the nation." Clemente died on Dec. 31, 1972, when his plane crashed into the ocean shortly after takeoff in Puerto Rico. He was en route to Nicaragua to bring food, medical supplies and clothing to victims of an earthquake there. "The sports world lost an icon whose spirit and generosity touched the lives of teammates, peers, and fellow citizens everywhere," Governor Rendell said. "To this day, he is remembered fondly and with great admiration as a ballplayer, a magnificent human being and an individual whose legacy will be left for generations to come through his wonderful family." Roberto Clemente Day was established in 2002 by Major League Baseball to increase awareness of the Roberto Clemente Award, which has been given annually since 1971 to recognize a player who best exemplifies the game of baseball through sportsmanship, community involvement and positive contributions to his team. EDITOR'S NOTE: Attached is a copy Governor Rendell's official proclamation. GREETINGS: It is with great admiration that I join with family and friends in recognizing Roberto Clemente Day, not only in joining the Commissioner of Major League Baseball on this occasion, but also making this announcement during National Hispanic Heritage Month. Roberto Clemente, one of the greatest athletes and humanitarians of all time, was committed to the sport of baseball as well as to the betterment of mankind. Born in Barrio San Anton in Carolina, Puerto Rico on August 18, 1934, he excelled in track and field, but his real love was baseball. He played amateur baseball with Juncos Double A Club, the Santurce Crabbers in the Puerto Rican Winter League until he signed with the Brooklyn Dodgers to play for their top affiliate, the Montreal Royals. Roberto played his entire 18-year Major League Baseball career from 1955 to 1972 with the Pittsburgh Pirates after being obtained by them through the number one pick of the draft in 1954. Roberto played in two World Series, was a four-time National League Batting Champion, the recipient of twelve Gold Gloves, was selected National League MVP in 1966, and MVP in the 1971 World Series. During his life, Roberto Clemente, set a standard of distinction, which we can all emulate. Roberto Clemente Day, established in 2002 to increase awareness of the Roberto Clemente Award, which has been given annually since 1971 to recognize a player who best exemplifies the game of baseball through sportsmanship, community involvement, and positive contributions to his team. This year's Roberto Clemente Award, presented by John Hancock, will be announced during the 2004 World Series. Just months after Roberto joined an elite group of players with 3,000 hits, he was determined to see that medical, food, and clothing supplies reached victims in earthquake stricken Nicaragua. Roberto, despite pleas from family and friends, personally accompanied the supplies in uncertain weather and an unstable plane. The plane went down off the coast of Puerto Rico on December 31, 1972, and the sports world lost an icon whose spirit and generosity touched the lives of teammates, peers, and fellow citizens throughout the world. As Governor and on behalf of all Pennsylvanians, I am pleased to recognize September 22, 2004 as Roberto Clemente Day in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It is my hope that Roberto's wife Vera and his sons, Roberto Jr., Luis Roberto, and Roberto Enrique will continue to keep alive the legacy of this remarkable athlete and humanitarian. EDWARD G. RENDELL September 22, 2004 CONTACT: Abraham Amoros, Pennsylvania Office of the Governor, +1-717-783-1116. Web site: http://www.state.pa.us/ National Nominees for the 2004 Roberto Clemente Award Presented by John Hancock Announced Today; 30 Club Recipients Honored in Conjunction with 2004 Roberto Clemente Day September 22, 2004 NEW YORK - (BUSINESS WIRE) - Sept. 22, 2004 - Major League Baseball today announced the names of the 30 Club nominees who are finalists for the prestigious 2004 Roberto Clemente Award presented by John Hancock. The Roberto Clemente Award presented by John Hancock is given annually to the Major League Baseball player who combines outstanding skills on the baseball field with devoted work in the community. A panel of dignitaries including Vera Clemente, wife of the late Hall of Famer, Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig and David D'Alessandro, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of John Hancock Financial Services, will select the national winner of the Roberto Clemente Award presented by John Hancock. The winner will be selected from among the 30 local award recipients. Clubs playing at home today will acknowledge their local Robert Clemente Award presented by John Hancock recipients as part of Roberto Clemente Day ceremonies. A national celebration of Roberto Clemente Day will take place at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. Members of the Clemente family, representatives from Major League Baseball, local dignitaries and the Pittsburgh Pirates' local recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award presented by John Hancock are scheduled to participate in the ceremonies. Roberto Clemente Day was established by Major League Baseball in 2002 to honor the memory of Roberto Clemente and to officially recognize local Club recipients of the Roberto Clemente Award presented by John Hancock. Clubs on the road will honor their local award recipients during their next home stand. The national winner will be announced at a press conference prior to Game Three of the 2004 World Series. The national winner of the Roberto Clemente Award presented by John Hancock will receive a $25,000 donation from John Hancock Financial Services to the charity of his choice. John Hancock also will make a $30,000 contribution to Roberto Clemente Sports City in Puerto Rico and $2,500 donations to the designated charity of each local Club recipient. The 30 Club recipients of the 2004 Roberto Clemente Award presented by John Hancock are: Anaheim Angels - Tim Salmon Arizona Diamondbacks - Matt Mantei Atlanta Braves - John Smoltz Baltimore Orioles - B.J. Surhoff Boston Red Sox - Tim Wakefield Chicago Cubs - Kerry Wood Chicago White Sox - Jose Valentin Cincinnati Reds - Sean Casey Cleveland Indians - Matt Lawton Colorado Rockies - Charles Johnson Detroit Tigers - Dmitri Young Florida Marlins - Jeff Conine Houston Astros - Roger Clemens Kansas City Royals - Mike Sweeney Los Angeles Dodgers - Jose Lima Milwaukee Brewers - Geoff Jenkins Minnesota Twins - Brad Radke Montreal Expos - Brad Wilkerson New York Mets - Mike Cameron New York Yankees - Mike Mussina Oakland Athletics - Tim Hudson Philadelphia Phillies - Bobby Abreu Pittsburgh Pirates - Craig Wilson St. Louis Cardinals - Mike Matheny San Diego Padres - Ryan Klesko San Francisco Giants - Scott Eyre Seattle Mariners - Edgar Martinez Tampa Bay Devil Rays - Toby Hall Texas Rangers - Rusty Greer Toronto Blue Jays - Roy Halladay Major League Baseball Kathleen Fineout or Matthew Burton, 212-931-7878 or Marston & Associates (for MLB) Helen Patrikis, 212-836-4201 or John Hancock Financial Services Becky Collet, 617-572-6435
|