Paul Konerko wins Roberto Clemente award

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Sep 28, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko (14) waves to fans in the stands after the game against the Kansas City Royals at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Recently retired Chicago White Sox great Paul Konerko isn’t done being honored by those in Major League Baseball just yet … as he, and Philadelphia Phillies veteran Jimmy Rollins were names co-recipients of the 2014 Roberto Clemente award.

Sep 8, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins (11) fields a ground ball during the third inning of a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

In a press release, it said of the two players in an announcement from MLB Commissioner Bud Selig:

"“Paul Konerko and Jimmy Rollins are two of baseball’s great ambassadors and have long distinguished themselves as leaders both on the field and in their communities. Their commitment to making a difference in the lives of children is a wonderful reflection of the legacy the legendary Roberto Clemente has left on our game and in society.“Major League Baseball is proud to honor Jimmy and Paul, two veteran standouts who have represented the National Pastime with excellence, with our game’s most prestigious recognition.”"

As a fan of baseball, anything that has the name Roberto Clemente is great, and I’m very happy to see Paulie win the award, along with Rollins.

It is said the award represents “everything Clemente stood for as a good Samaritan.”

Anytime Paulie gains an award for his off the field endeavors, that is wonderful to see, and that reminds us of how well he represented the Chicago White Sox for the past 16 seasons.

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Konerko retired after this past season, playing parts of 18 seasons in the Majors, 16 with the White Sox. For his career, Konerko batted .279 with 439 career home runs and 1,412 RBIs. With the White Sox, he batted .281 in 16 seasons, and hit 432 home runs with 1,383 RBIs.

Rollins has played his entire 15-year career with the Phillies. He has a career average of .267 with 216 home runs, 479 doubles and 216 triples.

Both players are also All-Stars and World Series champions.

Congratulations to both players on the award.