For the second year in a row, without being there to play, the Boston Red Sox were represented at the World Series.
Last year, pitcher Tim Wakefield was the recipient of the Roberto Clemente award (which goes to the MLB player who best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the player’s contributions to his team) and last night designated hitter David Ortiz took home the honors during an on-field ceremony before game two of the World Series in St. Louis.
“I am incredibly honored to be the recipient of this year’s award,” Ortiz said. “It’s humbling to be associated with all the tremendous names that have won this award in the past, and I look forward to continuing to do my part to maintain Roberto Clemente’s legacy.”
Since the first award was given out (to Willie Mays in 1971, when it was called the “Commissioner’s Award), Wakefield and Ortiz are the only members of the Red Sox to receive it. Â Previous winners include New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter and St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols. Â The last two teammates to win in consecutive years were Seattle Mariners pitcher Jamie Moyer and designated hitter Edgar Martinez (in 2003 and 2004 respectively).
Ortiz also took a moment to squelch the rumors that he wanted to leave the Red Sox:
“Of course, I would like to come back,” he said. “They have a lot of things going on right now. So once they go through all the stuff, GM and managing things, I think they’re going to start talking to the players. So, we’ll see. We’ve got time.”
Also asked about his previous comments being reported as his meaning he wanted to play for the Yankees, Ortiz didn’t mince words:
“I never said that I would sign with the Yankees. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no,” he said. “They asked me if I would play for the Yankees. I said I would think about it. But I didn’t confirm to nobody that I would play for the Yankees. I’m still a Red Sox, aren’t I?”
(Originally published on Examiner.com)