MLB : Dodgers vs Red Sox Wednesday, October 24, 2018 nine out of the last ten years. He was the cornerstone Award Presentation of two St. Louis Cardinal world championship clubs. And my personal favorite, the last two WBC teams, FRAN CHARLES: Good evening, everyone. My name Puerto Rican teams, were made better at all positions is Fran Charles from MLB Network, and it is my as a result of Yadi's presence. pleasure to welcome you all to the official announcement of Major League 's most When Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, baseball was prestigious individual player honor, the Roberto really at its best. The clubs responded in terms of Clemente Award. relief. Clubs like the and the flew planeloads of supplies into Puerto The Roberto Clemente Award pays tribute to the late Rico. One of our clubs that's here tonight, the Hall of Famer's legacy, achievements and character by Dodgers, made a seven-figure contribution to hurricane recognizing a Major League player who best relief. But Yadi was really the spearhead in some ways represents the game through extraordinary character, of the efforts in Puerto Rico. There were pallets of community involvement, philanthropy and contributions supplies that he arranged to be delivered to Puerto both on and off the field. MLB has been recognizing Rico. Major League players for their philanthropic work since 1971. This special honor was named the Roberto And I think even more impressive was his individual Clemente Award in 1973 to immortalize the 15-time All- presence there. He worked many, many long days Star after he was lost in a plane crash on New Year's clearing roads, putting roofs on houses, helping Eve 1972, while attempting to deliver supplies to individual people. And when the immediate need earthquake victims in Nicaragua. started to subside, he turned to fundraising. He had a great dinner that raised about $800,000 for hurricane The original name of this special recognition was the relief. Commissioner's Award. So it is fitting that I now welcome our Commissioner, Rob Manfred, to officially So it is my great pleasure to officially announce today announce this year's Roberto Clemente Award the 2018 Roberto Clemente Award winner, Yadi Molina recipient. (applause). COMMISSIONER ROB MANFRED: Thank you, Fran. FRAN CHARLES: Thank you, Commissioner, Manfred. This is always one of my favorite nights of the year. As Roberto Clemente's legendary humanitarian spirit has Fran said, we regard the Roberto Clemente Award to lived on thanks in part to our next speaker. As the be baseball's highest honor. It recognizes the entire family continues to share Roberto's message of combination of on-field excellence and philanthropy giving back through service. and community service, and because of that combination we feel it is perfect in terms of preserving So it is my great pleasure to introduce one of Roberto's the legacy of Roberto Clemente, one of our greatest, three sons, Luis Clemente. greatest players. LUIS CLEMENTE: Thank you. We are extremely I would like to thank Vera Clemente, Luis, Roberto, the proud and honored to have Yadi become the fourth or entire Clemente family for being here with us. fifth Puerto Rican to win the award. What he Obviously their presence makes it easier for us to represents for the whole country and for all of Latin preserve a legacy that's very, very important to the America is the same spirit that dad had. What he does history of baseball. inside the field and also outside the lines is what exemplifies the goodwill that all of Major League This year's winner is special. It's great to have another, Baseball shows. We're very proud to continue the I believe, the fifth Puerto Rican to win this award: Yadi Clemente legacy, and have mom as the goodwill Molina, what do you say about his on-field ambassador for . accomplishments? Maybe one of the greatest defensive of all time. He's been an All-Star

Rev #2 by #178 at 2018-10-24 23:01:00 GMT page 1 of 2 Baseball is definitely the platform to get all the positive Rico, as well. message across. And Yadi is an incredible -- I understand in the voting he totally became -- he blew Q. Commissioner, obviously there was the Indians- the charts as far as the votes. Mom has a very good Twins series, the Puerto Rico series, and I know eye. I must tell you, the whole process in choosing and Major League Baseball has really invested a lot in electing the player is truly a thorough process, and she the island. How important is Puerto Rico in the big reads and sees everything. It's very hard because all picture for Major League Baseball? of the players that were nominated are doing incredible COMMISSIONER ROB MANFRED: Well, the island is things. All the clubs take particular pride in having their really important in terms of our long-term plans. First players be represented. And I think this is something and most important, it remains a great source of talent. that the family is very proud about the award. One of the reasons that we picked the Twins and the Indians is that there were obviously a number of FRAN CHARLES: Thank you, Luis. Appreciate the players from the island that were there. Their passion remarks. And also as Luis and the Commissioner for being in Puerto Rico was really important for us. mentioned, also here with us today are Roberto And just in terms of growing the game, an island like Clemente, Jr. and Roberto Clemente's wife and MLB Puerto Rico that has baseball as part of its culture is Goodwill Ambassador, Vera Clemente (applause). really important to us. There's raw material there that allows us to grow the game. I take a little pride in this, it should also be noted Yadi is now the fifth member of the St. Louis Cardinals to So I think you'll see baseball back in Puerto Rico on a receive the award, joining Hall of Famer , very regular basis. and a couple of players who should be joining them in Cooperstown in and FRAN CHARLES: Thank you and congratulations to Carlos Beltran. A quick side note, I am from St. Louis. the entire Molina family. This concludes tonight's news conference. We're going to take a quick photo up on The Cardinals now have the most Roberto Clemente stage, and our dais will depart in preparation for a Award recipients of any MLB club. And as the special pregame ceremony on the field. Thank you, Commissioner noted, Yadier unfortunately is not here everyone, for coming. with us tonight as he is managing the Puerto Rican national 23-U down in Colombia. However, here to speak on his behalf is his wife Wanda Molina, who we would like to say a few words on her husband's tremendous recognition.

WANDA MOLINA: Good evening, everybody. He is really sad that he couldn't be here, but he is representing the island in Colombia, and it was kind of a mess to get him here on time. But we're very happy. It's a huge honor. It's the biggest recognition to receive the Roberto Clemente Award, especially for a Puerto Rican. He's our legend and our own hero. And every time your name is next to his, it's wonderful.

FRAN CHARLES: So we're going to open it up here for a couple of questions on winning the Roberto Clemente Award.

Q. Luis, the specific nature of Yadi's response to a natural disaster, how much did that resonate with your family, given your father's legacy? LUIS CLEMENTE: Absolutely. Yadi is a great example of what a great man is. And utilizing all his resources, not only just sending -- he could have just sent help or fund, some other organizations, but he was hands on, he went on out there and helped fill whatever was needed. And his passion in doing so, I think exemplifies all the greatness of baseball's goodwill. So he's a great ambassador for baseball and for Puerto

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