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

Comments

Post a Comment

Trending Now

Darius Morris, Former Lakers Guard, Passes Away at 33

Image
Photo: Instagram/Darius Morris Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Darius Morris passed away this week at the age of 33, confirmed by TMZ Sports. His family issued a statement asking for privacy. His body was found in Los Angeles on Thursday, with no further details disclosed. Morris had a successful basketball career, starting from high school in Los Angeles and later at the University of Michigan, where he set records. Photo: Instagram/Darius Morris He was drafted by the Lakers in 2011 and played alongside Kobe Bryant . Morris also played for other NBA teams and later pursued his career overseas. He leaves behind a legacy in the basketball community. Read Next: Los Angeles Lakers Face Hurdles In Pursuit of Tyronn Lue As Head Coach Source: TMZ Sports  
Read More

Rudy Gobert Misses Game 2 For Son's Birth; High Winds Foil Return

Image
Photo: Instagram/Rudy Gobert Minnesota Timberwolves' center Rudy Gobert was absent for Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinal showdown against the Denver Nuggets due to the birth of his son.  Gobert, who played a pivotal role in their Game 1 victory, was unable to make it back to Denver in time for the game due to disruptive weather conditions, particularly high winds in Colorado. The absence of Gobert posed a challenge for the Wolves, as he played a significant defensive role in their previous win, limiting key players like Aaron Gordon and Nikola Jokic . Photo: Instagram/Rudy Gobert Without him, the team had to adjust their defensive strategy, with coach Chris Finch mentioning that Kyle Anderson might step up to defend Jokic while emphasizing the importance of Karl-Anthony Towns ' role in the game. Meanwhile, the Nuggets faced uncertainty regarding Jamal Murray 's availability due to a strained left calf. Despite this, coach Michael Malone expressed confidence i
Read More

UFC's Dana White Calls Out Netflix For Short Time Slot at Tom Brady Roast

Image
Photo: Instagram/Dana White During Netflix's recent special, "The Greatest Roast of All Time: Tom Brady ," UFC president Dana White didn't hold back, taking aim at the streaming giant for only giving him a minute on stage to roast the seven-time Super Bowl champ. Expressing his frustration, White joked, "It p---es me off. I flew all the way out here and you guys give me 60 seconds? My name is Dana. Is that not trans enough for you liberal f---s?" White, who was part of the star-studded audience, took the opportunity to deliver some zingers aimed at Brady and comedian Jeff Ross. Photo: Instagram/Dana White The roast, hosted by Tony Hinchcliffe of "Kill Tony," featured a segment called "Kill Tommy," where White seized his moment to fire off a few humorous shots. This isn't the first time White has made headlines for speaking out. In October, UFC renewed its partnership with Anheuser-Busch, making the company its official beer sponsor. 
Read More

Karl-Anthony Towns Named NBA Social Justice Champion For 2023-24 Season

Image
Photo: Instagram/Karl-Anthony Towns Minnesota Timberwolves' star player Karl-Anthony Towns has been named the 2023-24 NBA Social Justice Champion. He will be awarded the prestigious Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Trophy for his dedication to social justice causes. Towns stood out among five finalists for his commitment to equality, respect, and inclusion, values upheld by Abdul-Jabbar and the NBA. Towns played a crucial role in advocating for voting rights, particularly in the passage of Minnesota's Restore the Vote bill. This bipartisan legislation restored the right to vote for thousands of previously incarcerated individuals. He actively engaged with key organizations and community discussions, emphasizing the importance of every citizen's voice in democracy. The passage of the bill in March 2023 marked a significant milestone, benefiting over 55,000 Minnesotans upon its implementation in July 2023. Towns' involvement extended beyond voting rights, as he supported initiatives
Read More

Jamal Murray Opens Up About NBA Fine

Image
Photo: Instagram/Jamal Murray Jamal Murray , Denver Nuggets' star player, spoke out about his recent NBA punishment following a controversial incident during Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Murray's actions during the game, which included throwing a heat pack onto the court during live play and making a money gesture toward the referees, resulted in a hefty $100,000 fine imposed by the NBA. Initially silent on the matter after Game 2, Murray finally addressed the punishment, stating, "It is what it is. I take full responsibility, onto the next." Photo: Instagram/Jamal Murray Many NBA fans and analysts anticipated a possible suspension for Murray due to the potentially dangerous nature of his actions. However, it seems his clean record played a role in the leniency of the punishment. Despite Murray's acknowledgment of responsibility, Nuggets' head coach Michael Malone expressed disappointment in the team's re
Read More

Anthony Edwards Joins Kobe Bryant On Historic NBA List

Image
Photo: Instagram/Anthony Edwards In a stunning Game 1 performance against the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves' sensation Anthony Edwards stole the spotlight, notching an impressive 43 points.  This remarkable feat propelled him into the elite company of NBA legend Kobe Bryant , making him the only other player in history to achieve consecutive 40-point playoff games at the youthful age of 22 or younger. Edwards' meteoric rise to prominence continues as he showcases his talent on the playoff stage. With each game, he solidifies his status as a bona fide star, elevating the Timberwolves' prospects in the postseason.  Photo: Instagram/Anthony Edwards His exceptional performance not only underscores his individual prowess but also bolsters Minnesota's chances of upsetting the defending champions and making a championship run of their own. The matchup between Minnesota and Denver promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams demonstrating a deep respect for eac
Read More

Naoya Inoue Bounces Back From Knockdown To Knockout Luis Nery In Six Rounds

Image
Photo: Instagram/Naoya Inoue Japanese boxer Naoya Inoue showed true grit and resilience as he overcame an early knockdown to deliver a stunning knockout victory against Mexican challenger Luis Nery.  In a thrilling match at the Tokyo Dome on Monday, Inoue wowed the crowd by dropping Nery three times before securing a sixth-round knockout.  Despite being floored by a powerful left hook in the first round, Inoue fought back fiercely, flooring Nery with a counter left hook in the second round. Photo: Instagram/Naoya Inoue The momentum continued as Inoue sent Nery to the canvas again in the fifth round with another impressive left hook.  Finally, in the sixth round, a massive straight right from Inoue sealed the deal, knocking Nery out cold at the 1:22 mark.  En 20 años se hablará que fue un mexicano, de Tijuana, un corajudo llamado Luis Nery que mandó por primera vez a la lona al miembro del salón de la fama de Canastota y mejor peleador en la historia de Japón 🇯🇵 Naoya Inoue Y que fue
Read More

Victor Wembanyama Wins NBA Rookie of The Year In Unanimous Vote

Image
Photo: Instagram/Victor Wembanyama Victor Wembanyama , the 7-foot-4 French sensation, has secured the NBA Rookie of the Year title in a historic unanimous vote. Coming into the league with immense hype, Wembanyama lived up to every expectation, dazzling fans and pundits alike with his extraordinary skills on both ends of the court. The San Antonio Spurs' top pick instantly became a centerpiece for the team, shouldering a superstar workload from the onset. Despite the team's struggles, Wembanyama's individual brilliance shone through, earning him comparisons to NBA legends and rewriting the rookie record books. His statistical dominance is unparalleled among rookies, with impressive numbers across the board. Wembanyama's impact on the game transcended traditional stats, as he showcased a rare combination of offensive prowess and defensive tenacity. Photo: Instagram/Victor Wembanyama Wembanyama's achievement is made even more remarkable by his age, as he displayed mat
Read More

Nuggets' Nikola Jokic Clinches 2023-24 Kia MVP Title

Image
Photo: Instagram/Nikola Jokic Denver's star center, Nikola Jokic , has snagged the coveted title of the 2023-24 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player, marking his third win in this prestigious category.  Jokic, who previously clinched the honor in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, now joins an elite group of players as only the ninth in NBA history to achieve this feat. The Serbian sensation, with nine years in the NBA under his belt, joins the ranks of basketball legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar , Michael Jordan , Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, LeBron James , Larry Bird, Magic Johnson , and Moses Malone, who have all secured three or more MVP titles throughout their careers. Photo: Instagram/Nikola Jokic In the recently concluded 2023-24 regular season, Jokic showcased his prowess by ranking 10th in points, fourth in rebounds, and third in assists per game.  Notably, he became only the second player in NBA history to tally over 2,000 points, 900 rebounds, and 700 assists in a single season
Read More

NBA Slaps Jamal Murray With $100,000 Fine For Heat Pack Incident

Image
Photo: Instagram/Jamal Murray Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets won't face suspension after tossing a heat pack onto the court during Monday's Game 2 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.  However, the NBA has hit him with a hefty $100,000 fine, the league announced Tuesday. Murray's frustration boiled over during the first half, with the Nuggets trailing by 17 points. Sitting on the bench, he chucked a heat pack onto the court mid-play, though officials didn't catch it at the time, sparing him a technical foul during the game. Despite discussions with officials throughout the half, Murray seemed to disagree with a call, leading to the heat pack incident. Fortunately, no one was harmed, and play resumed after a brief stoppage to remove the pack from the court. Photo: Instagram/Jamal Murray Both coaches, Michael Malone of the Nuggets and Chris Finch of the Timberwolves, commented on the incident, expressing concern over its dangerous nature. Referee Marc Davis admitted
Read More