Despite the reports of a dysfunctional clubhouse and the departures of Manager Terry Francona and GM Theo Epstein, a second Boston Red Sox player has won a postseason award. Last week Red Sox center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury, who by all accounts is in contention to win the league MVP, won the AL Comeback Player of the Year Award. On Thursday Boston’s DH David Ortiz was named the recipient of the 2011 Roberto Clemente Award. Ortiz was presented the award prior to Game Two of the World Series.
The Clemente Award bears the name of the great Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Famer, who died in a plane crash while en route to provide aid to the earthquake stricken Nicaragua in 1972. The annual award is given to the player who best represents all of baseball on and off the field with sportsmanship and community involvement. Red Sox pitcher Tim Wakefield was the 2010 winner.
Ortiz received this year’s honor in part due to his commitment to visiting children in hospitals and supporting their medical expenses through fundraisers and personal donations.
Ortiz’s future in Boston is unknown. He will soon become a free agent. With the Red Sox GM situation in limbo, there is no indication if the team will attempt to bring him back or not. In an interview earlier this month, Ortiz suggested him might not want to return with all the drama that is going on.
Follow Brian on Twitter @BrianRabuffetti
Comments