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Edgar Martínez receives prestigious Roberto Clemente
Award  October 26, 2004 -- Seattle
Mariners' designated hitter, Edgar Martínez, who retired at the end of the season, has been picked as the winner of the 2004 Roberto Clemente
Award.
"To have Edgar be the first one (from Puerto Rico) to win the award is very special to our family," said Roberto Clemente Jr. "We think the world of Edgar, and what he has done on and off the field is outstanding and wonderful. I truly believe he is the right guy to be the first."
The award is given annually to the big leaguer whose success on the field is augmented by his local impact through community
service.
Martinez, who spent his entire 18-year career with the Mariners organization, has deep roots in the Seattle community.
The annual award, baseball's highest honor for community service, undoubtedly will have great meaning to Martinez.
It was watching the 1971 World Series, with Puerto Rican hero Clemente playing a starring role for Pittsburgh, that inspired Martinez to become a major-league player and made Clemente his role model.
Baseball has given the award since 1972, and renamed it for Clemente in 1973 after he died in a 1972 New Year's Eve plane crash while delivering relief supplies to earthquake-stricken Nicaragua.
With Martinez being honored, Seattle has a two-year winning streak for the Clemente Award, which last year went to Jamie Moyer and his wife, Karen. In 1991, Mariners second baseman Harold Reynolds was the winner.
Each of the 30 major-league teams nominates a player each year. In their presentation on behalf of Martinez, the Mariners said, "Edgar and his wife,
Holli, have given back to the Seattle community in numerous ways over the years. Through countless hours, funds, resources and contributions, they will continue to have a positive impact on the lives of children and families in the Pacific Northwest for years to come."
Among the charities and nonprofits Edgar and Holli Martinez have supported: Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy, Children's Hospital, Overlake Hospital, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Wishing Star Foundation, United Way, Esperanza, Page Ahead Children's Literacy Program, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Clubs and Mariners Care.
Roberto Clemente was a 12-time All-Star and played his entire 18-year Major League career, which began in 1955, with the Pirates. He participated in two World Series, was a four-time National League batting champion, a 12-time Gold Glove winner, NL Most Valuable Player in 1966 and World Series MVP in 1971.
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