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 Craig Biggio of the Houston Astros has been named the 2007 recipient of the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet. Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig made the announcement today at a press conference prior to Game Three of the 2007 World Series at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado.
Bestowed annually, the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet honors the Major League Baseball player who combines outstanding play on the field with devoted work in the community. Major League Baseball has presented this Award each season since 1971. In 1973, the Award was named in honor of Clemente, who died on December 31, 1972 during a humanitarian mission to assist earthquake victims in Nicaragua.
“It is with great honor that I present Craig Biggio with this year’s Roberto Clemente Award,” said Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig. “His efforts and dedication throughout his career to the Sunshine Kids Foundation, Astros-related community projects and the way he has represented the game of baseball make him an ideal candidate for such a prestigious award. I also would like to thank Chevrolet for their gracious donations to different communities through the support of this award.”
Biggio was selected from a list of 30 nominees, one from each Major League Club. A panel of dignitaries including Commissioner Selig and Vera Clemente, wife of the late Roberto Clemente, selected the 2007 Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet recipient. Additionally, for the first time, fans who logged on
to mlb.com/chevy21 were able to cast a vote for one of the 30 nominees. The winner of the fan vote was tallied as one vote among those cast by the selection panel.
Chevrolet, in Craig’s name will donate $30,000 and a new 2007 Chevy Silverado to the Sunshine Kids Foundation, Craig’s charity of choice. An additional $30,000 will be donated by Chevrolet to Roberto Clemente Sports city, a not-for-profit organization in Carolina, Puerto Rico, designed to provide recreational sports activities for children regardless of economic circumstances.
Biggio joins a distinguished list of past recipients that includes 13 Baseball Hall of Famers, including: Lou Brock, Rod Carew, Gary Carter, Tony Gwynn, Al Kaline, Willie Mays, Phil Niekro, Kirby Puckett, Cal Ripken, Jr., Brooks Robinson, Ozzie Smith, Willie Stargell and Dave Winfield.
“Roberto Clemente was one of the true legends of the game of baseball, and he had a strong vision in his life to help as many people as possible,” said Biggio. “The award named after him is one of the highest honors that a Major League Baseball player can receive. I am certainly honored and humbled to be this year’s recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award.”
Prior to the end of the 2007 schedule, Craig announced his plans for retirement at the conclusion of the season. Since Biggio’s Major League career began 20 years ago, he has understood the importance of being a leader and setting an example for others, both on and off the field, devoting his career to making a positive difference in the community.
In the early 1990s, Craig became the national spokesperson for the Sunshine Kids Foundation. Since then, he has raised nearly $2.5 million for the non-profit organization dedicated to children with cancer. Established in 1982, the foundation is committed to providing positive group activities and emotional support for young cancer patients. The Sunshine Kids Foundation provides a variety of programs and events, free of charge, for children who are receiving cancer treatments in hospitals across North America. In addition, Craig devotes time and resources to other community-related efforts and has been a mainstay of the Astros’ community outreach program throughout his career. He has taken the opportunity to visit with and welcome members of many groups to Minute Maid Park including the Make-A-Wish Foundation, countless hospital and cancer patients, current and former military service personnel, and the Houston Astros Hometown Heroes, a program that honors outstanding community service and overall good deeds in the Houston community.
On the field, Biggio has been one of Major League baseball’s most versatile and consistent players. On June 28, 2007, Craig became only the 27th player in the game’s history and the first Houston Astros player to reach the 3,000 career hit plateau, and only the ninth player ever to achieve the milestone while spending his entire career with only one Major League Club. He finished 20th all-time on the career hits list (3,060), and fifth all-time in doubles (668). He is the only player in Major League history to record all of the following milestones: 650 doubles, 290 home runs, 3,000 hits, and 400 stolen bases. He has been named to seven All-Star teams and is the only player in history to qualify for the team as both catcher and second baseman. He has also received five National League Silver Slugger Awards and four Rawlings Gold Gloves. Biggio is the eighth winner of the Roberto Clemente Award who is also a member of the 3,000 hit club.
“My family and I would like to congratulate Craig Biggio on his selection as the 2007 Roberto Clemente Award winner,” said Vera Clemente. “His performance on the field and dedication and commitment to the community are in the spirit of the Award and Roberto's legacy.” (Source: Major League Baseball)
Maury Brown is the founder and president of the Business of Sports Network, which includes The Biz of Baseball, The Biz of Football and The Biz of Basketball (The Biz of Hockey will be launching shortly). He is also an author for Baseball Prospectus.and is an available writer for other media outlets. He looks forward to your comments via email and can be contacted here.
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