Committed to the Indianapolis Community
Published on June 3, 2008 under International League (IL1)
Indianapolis Indians News Release
INDIANAPOLIS -- As the proud Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Indianapolis Indians are taking part in the newly-created "Pirates Community Commitment Program." The program has been designed to help players at all levels of the Pirates system increase awareness of their position within the community.
The program, which is unlike any seen across Major League Baseball today, will help players better understand the personal and professional growth opportunities associated with community service and how they can be viewed as role models and potential leaders.
"We are very pleased to have our players participating in the community efforts that have been outlined by the Pittsburgh Pirates," Tribe Vice President & General Manager Cal Burleson says. "Our players have participated in various community and youth-oriented programs for many years, and we see these new efforts as an extension of what has been done in previous seasons.
"We appreciate the efforts our players are making, and will continue to seek opportunities to connect them with the Indianapolis community. As players throughout the Pirates organization participate in these worthwhile efforts, they will be preparing themselves for similar activities when they reach PNC Park in Pittsburgh."
Indians players have already taken part in various community service events and programs this season. On April 22, infielder Neil Walker and outfielder Kevin Thompson attended an event at the Columbia Club to raise money for the Indy Sports Foundation. On May 10, players and coaches put on a Pre-Game Youth Clinic for students in the Indianapolis Public Schools system.
Though the program involves players at every level of the organization, the main focus is on the development of the over 160 Minor League players at the various Pittsburgh affiliates. Each Minor League player is required to perform at least 10 hours of unpaid community service each season, and all information travels with the player as he moves through the farm system.
The Pirates will also present one player from each affiliate with the Pirates Community Commitment Award in recognition of his dedication to the program. The Pirates will fly each award winner to Pittsburgh for a special on-field ceremony at PNC Park.
The organization's annual Roberto Clemente Award will also be presented to the Pirates' Major Leaguer selected for his character and charitable contributions to the Pittsburgh community.
"While there have been many displays of community service by Pirates players over the years, the importance of this program is to help Minor League players develop a passion for connecting with their communities," Pirates Director of Player Development Kyle Stark says.
"The annual Major League award for community service is named after Pirates great Roberto Clemente. That should make every player in the organization feel a larger responsibility to emulate Roberto's passion by making a positive impact on their respective community."
For more information on Indians players in the community, contact Tribe Community Relations Manager Ryan Bowman at 317-269-3542 ext. 300 or rbowman@IndyIndians.com.
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