Yesterday, before World Series Game 2 began, Tim Wakefield was honored as the 2010 recipient of the Roberto Clemente award in recognition of his service to the Boston community and the community in Florida that he calls home. Roberto Clemente, born in Puerto Rico, was a star outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1955 to 1972. His life and career were cut short in a plane crash on December 31, 1972--he was on the plane to ensure that aid packages were delivered to the victims of an earthquake in Nicaragua. Previous packages had fallen into the wrong hands and Clemente wanted to make sure that did not happen again. Tragically, the overloaded plane went down in the ocean off the coast of Puerto Rico and Clemente's body was never found.
Wakefield began his career with the same organization that Clemente played for in his illustrious 18-year career. He made a promise to a failing early-intervention school in Florida that if he made it to the big leagues, he would help them remain open. He made good on that promise and has been involved with the school ever since. He has also supported the Franciscan Children's Hospital in Boston and hosts an annual charity golf tournament. He's been nominated for the Clemente award eight times before winning this year. It's a well-deserved honor and he does Clemente's legacy proud.
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