In a surprising turn of events, Boston Red Sox pitcher Liam Hendriks has been nominated for his 6th Roberto Clemente award even though he has not pitched a single in the MLB this season.
For those who do not know, the Roberto Clemente Award is given each year to the MLB pitcher who, "best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual's contribution to his team".
When asked about his nomination and what it means to him, Hendriks had this to funny thing to say:
Liam Hendriks signed with the Red Sox last February but has yet to see any playing time as injuries have kept him on the sidelines.
«It's been a really welcome sight for me, especially with not being able to play as much as I want to this year,» Hendriks said. «So it's going about and being able to have an impact away from the team but still with the organization has been a big boon for me.»
As a cancer survivor himself with Stage 4 non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma has done tremendous work to meet and mentor people cancer and his contributions to help people suffering has landed him as one of the most influential player sin baseball.
«It's been a really welcome sight for me, especially with not being able to play as much as I want to this year,» Hendriks said. «So it's going about and being able to have an impact away from the team but still with the organization has been a big boon for me.»
Even with out playing a game this season, Hendriks deserves to win the award and i hope they give it to him as he exemplifies everything it is to be a professional athlete.