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CalL1 Stockton Ports

Ports Announce Braden Community Award Winner

September 3, 2009 - California League (CalL1)
Stockton Ports News Release


STOCKTON, Calif. -The Stockton Ports are proud to announce that first baseman Steve Kleen has been selected as the first recipient of the newly created Dallas Braden Community Award. Kleen will be formally recognized for his outstanding community service prior to the final Ports home game of the season on Monday, September 7 at 6:05 p.m.

The Dallas Braden Community Award is named after former Ports player and current A's pitcher Dallas Braden, who is known for his strong community efforts for his hometown of Stockton, Calif., and will honor the community efforts of a Ports player each season.

"In the short time Steve has been with the Ports this year, he has been very actively involved in various community events and appearances," said Ports Community Relations Manager Danielle Alt. "Steve enjoys making the community a better place. He doesn't wait to be told to do something-he volunteers before he is appointed. We are very proud that the first recipient of the Dallas Braden Community Award is Steve Kleen, as Steve embodies the same community cohesiveness that Dallas employs."

Kleen worked as an instructor in the Ports Youth Baseball Camp in June, was one of two players to speak at the Manager's Luncheon in July, donated autographed memorabilia for the Ports Community Fund Weekend in August, and gave a testimonial to fans prior to the game on Faith Night on August 8. He has also made several other community appearances over the course of the season.

Kleen missed all of the 2008 season due to injury, and his success this year has been a credit to his hard work and dedication. In 70 games with Kane County this summer, he batted .282 with 14 doubles, a triple, eight home runs and 46 RBI. In 65 games with the Ports this season, he is batting .346 with 15 doubles, seven home runs and 35 RBI. The Pepperdine University product ranks among batting leaders in the Oakland A's organization this year.

The Ports announced the creation of the Dallas Braden Community Award during the Ports game on Sunday, June 28. Braden was in attendance at that game, which was Little League Night, and was a part of the Award announcement.

Braden has been active with the Ports community outreach efforts in 2009, attending not only Little League Night, but also attending the Little League sign-up event held at the ballpark in January. At both events, Braden gave fans his autograph for free, and chatted with youth players. Braden announced this year that he will sponsor a child who plays for Hoover Tyler Little League and is being raised by a single parent each season. As a sponsor, Braden will take care of all the costs associated with the little league season, including the cap, uniform, equipment, league fees and photo package.

"Obviously it's pretty cool, and it's awesome that they would even think of me in that light, as a figure in the community," Braden said. "Tim (Pasisz, Ports Account Executive) has been great in giving me every opportunity to promote the Ports club and to do everything I can to help promote community cohesiveness. I think this award will embody exactly that."

Ports President and General Manager Pat Filippone said, "Steve Kleen was a great player with the Ports in 2007, and since his return to the team in 2009, he has been a tremendous leader off the field as well as on. We are very proud to honor him as our Dallas Braden Community Award winner this season.

"Braden has never forgotten his roots, and has always been ready to lend a hand here in Stockton, for the community and the Ports," Filippone added. "He has been a hero in the Stockton community for years, and we want to show our gratitude for his endless support through this award. Steve Kleen has definitely embodied the spirit of Braden's community commitment this season."

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