Shane Victorino Wins Lou Gehrig Memorial Award

(from press release)

Shane Victorino of the Philadelphia Phillies has been presented with this year’s Lou Gehrig Memorial Award, sponsored by the Phi Delta Theta International Fraternity, headquartered in Oxford, Ohio.

The yearly award is given to the Major League Baseball player who best exemplifies the giving character of Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig, who was a member of the fraternity’s Columbia University chapter. The award was first presented in 1955 and is permanently maintained at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York.

Victorino will be presented the award at Citizens Bank Ballpark on Saturday, July 4, 2009, when the Phillies take on the New York Mets at 4:05 PM. The presentation will be a part of “4ALS,” a day celebrated throughout Major League Baseball to honor the 70th anniversary of Gehrig’s “Luckiest Man” speech and to raise awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

“Traditionally, the Gehrig Award has recognized veteran players who have made an impact through a long-standing relationship with their community,” said Sean Wagner, spokesman for the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award Committee and associate executive vice president of Phi Delta Theta. “The fact that Shane has won this award at such an early stage in his career demonstrates the incredible impact he has had in the fight against ALS as well as on the city of Philadelphia, and speaks volumes about him as an individual.”

As starting centerfielder of the 2008 World Series champion Philadelphia Phillies, Victorino had crucial hits and defensive plays and became the first player in Major League Baseball postseason history to have a home run, double, and two steals in a game. He also hit the first grand slam in Phillies postseason history. During the regular season, Victorino achieved career highs in starts, at-bats, runs, hits, doubles, RBIs, home runs and walks.

In 2006, Victorino’s participation in the Phillies Phestival helped raise $600,000 for ALS. In 2008, Victorino became an active supporter of the SaVes4ALS program which raises thousands of dollars for the Philadelphia chapter of ALSA via events such as “Dining and Dancing with the Stars” and through the fundraising program that earns donations from sponsors based on pledge levels for every save recorded by the Phillies bullpen.

“When Shane makes a commitment, you can count on him to do his very best work and rely on his positive attitude,” said Suzanne Bruce, co-founder of the SaVes4ALS program. “We are proud to have him recognized for his support and efforts in this meaningful way.”

Victorino involves himself with a number of other causes outside of ALS. He is one of three Action Team Captains for MLB, promoting volunteerism in schools throughout the country. Locally, Victorino hosts “A Round to Remember”, a celebrity golf tournament featuring local celebrities which raises funds and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association Aloha chapter.

With teammate Chase Utley, Victorino co-hosted the Philadelphia Futures “Get In The Game” charity bowling/billiards tournament in April of 2008, raising over $150,000 for Philadelphia Futures, a mentoring program for inner-city high school students. In 2007, the Police Athletic League recognized Victorino’s community service by awarding him an honorary badge.

“I was inspired by the work being done through the SaVes4ALS program and other important causes in our community. I am honored to be the recipient of this award, but it is really a team effort. I am glad to be a part of these organizations that make a tremendous difference. They are the real champions, and I congratulate their staff and supporters for their continued commitment,” said Victorino after hearing that he was to be honored with the Gehrig Award.

For detailed information about the history of the award and its recipients, visit www.LouGehrigAward.org.