Skip to main content

Judge Wins 2023 Clemente Award: 'It's Just The Beginning'

Photo: Instagram/Aaron Judge

In a heartwarming ceremony held before Game 3 of the World Series at Arizona’s Chase Field, New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge was awarded the 2023 Roberto Clemente Award.

This esteemed accolade is presented annually to a Major League player who exemplifies the spirit of baseball through their exceptional character, dedication to the community, philanthropic efforts, and positive contributions on and off the field.

Judge, deeply moved by the honor, expressed his gratitude, saying, "Just being a nominee is an incredible honor that a lot of players look forward to. Now getting a chance to be a Roberto Clemente Award winner, it's tough to describe. The legacy [Clemente] left -- we can sit here and talk about the stats, what he did on the field. He was a generational talent on the field, but he was a generational ambassador for this game off the field."

Photo: Instagram/Aaron Judge

This prestigious award, named in memory of the legendary Roberto Clemente, who was not only a remarkable talent on the field but also a true ambassador for the sport off the field, aims to recognize players who carry forward Clemente's legacy.

Aaron Judge, who looks up to Clemente as a role model, has committed himself to being a complete player, mirroring Clemente's dedication not only in his offensive prowess but also his exceptional defensive skills.


Furthermore, in 2018, Judge established the Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation, focusing on inspiring young individuals to become responsible citizens in communities close to his heart, including the Bronx, San Joaquin County (Calif.), and Fresno County (Calif.). The foundation also aims to honor those who positively influence children and create a lasting legacy for future generations. Through its various programs and initiatives, ALL RISE has impacted the lives of over 2,000 young people, encouraging them to reach their full potential.

In 2023, Bridge2College and NYC Autism Charter Schools (NYCACS) received support from ALL RISE through its mini-grant program, which has so far assisted 26 community-based organizations, public and private agencies, and faith-based groups.


Additionally, the Aspiring Leaders program of ALL RISE focuses on leadership, citizenship, character development, and community involvement, offering a pathway for future generations to become responsible citizens in society.

Commissioner Rob Manfred commended Judge's remarkable accomplishments, stating, "Aaron, you are -- like so many of your fellow players -- a real credit to our game."


Aaron Judge's connection to Roberto Clemente runs deep, as he, along with his teammates, had the opportunity to visit the Clemente Museum in Pittsburgh last July. During this visit, he held one of Clemente's game-used bats, leaving a lasting impression. Judge, who typically wields a 35-inch, 33-ounce bat, was astounded by the heft of Clemente's 36-inch, 38-ounce lumber. He even received a replica bat from the museum, which he used during his batting practice the following day.

With this honor, Judge becomes the first Yankee to receive the Clemente Award since Derek Jeter in 2009, joining the ranks of Don Baylor (1985) and Ron Guidry ('84) as Yankees who have been honored with this prestigious recognition.

Judge is resolute in his commitment to making a positive impact, as he stated, "The work that we have accomplished with the help of my family, especially my mom [Patty], and the lives we've touched, it's just the beginning. This is just another step along the way. I'm looking forward to helping more kids along the way."

Read Next: Steph Curry's Dazzling Crossover Leaves Dillon Brooks In Awe As Warriors Secure Victory

Source: MLB
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Bruce Springsteen Says Fame Once Scared Him and Therapy Saved His Life

Photo: Bruce Springsteen / Instagram   Bruce Springsteen says he feared fame would change him when his career took off with Born to Run  in 1975.  The rocker, now 76, told TIME100 in a cover story on Sept. 25 that he felt life becoming very different after his first TIME and Newsweek  covers.  He said the praise for his music was a dream come true but came with new problems.  Photo: Bruce Springsteen / Instagram   His sister Pam even told him about paparazzi looking into their family kitchen, which made him worry about how fame would affect them. Springsteen called fame “a very distorted lens” and said he had to protect what mattered most to him.  Those fears helped inspire his next album, Darkness on the Edge of Town , which celebrated working-class life.  He also revealed he struggled with thoughts of suicide after his 1982 album Nebraska and began focusing on mental health.  Springsteen still goes to therapy today and says it has cha...
Post a Comment
Read More

Lola Young Cancels Second Show After Onstage Collapse

Photo: Lola Young / Instagram   British pop star Lola Young has canceled a second show in three days after collapsing onstage at the All Things Go festival in Queens on Saturday. The 24-year-old singer fell backward while performing her song “Conceited” and was carried offstage by staff. On Sunday, she announced on Instagram that she would not perform at the All Things Go festival in Columbia, Maryland, later that day. Photo: Lola Young / Instagram   She apologized to fans and said she loved her job but asked for “a day off.” The Maryland cancellation followed another on Friday, when Young pulled out of the We Can Survive concert in New Jersey due to what her team called “a sensitive matter.”  After her onstage collapse, she later told fans she was “doing okay now” but gave no reason for what happened. Lola Young suffers medical accident and collapses on stage. Keep her your prayers. We love you Lola. pic.twitter.com/0IUwjeAyql — Pop Bakes (@ThePopBakes) September 28, 202...
Post a Comment
Read More

Matt Heafy Explains Why TRIVIUM’s Tour With Bullet For My Valentine Ended Early

Photo: Matt Heafy / Instagram   TRIVIUM’s Matt Heafy has spoken out about the early end of “The Poisoned Ascendancy” tour with Bullet For My Valentine. The two bands started the run earlier this year to honor the 20th anniversaries of “Ascendancy” and “The Poison.” Plans were made for a full world tour, but things stopped after just three months. TRIVIUM bassist Paolo Gregoletto said Bullet singer Matt Tuck pulled out, adding that he was the only decision maker for the band. Photo: Matt Heafy / Instagram   Bullet later shared a statement saying they respect TRIVIUM but wanted to focus on making a new album instead. In a new interview, Heafy said TRIVIUM wanted to keep going but their “dance partner dropped off.” He confirmed TRIVIUM will now push ahead with their own “Ascend Above The Ashes” tour this fall with Jinjer and Heriot. The band also has a new EP, “Struck Dead,” coming in October and plans to play songs from across their career. Read Next: Lola Young Cancels Second S...
Post a Comment
Read More