Ports Announce Braden Community Award
Published on June 28, 2009 under California League (CalL1)
Stockton Ports News Release
STOCKTON, Calif. -The Stockton Ports, are proud to announce the creation of the Dallas Braden Community Award, which will honor the community efforts of a Ports player each season. The Dallas Braden Community Award is named after former Ports player and current A's star Dallas Braden, who is known for his strong community efforts for his hometown of Stockton, Calif.
"The Stockton Ports work diligently to become more involved in the community each year, and we want to honor not only the efforts of a special player each season but also to honor Dallas Braden, who has made an incredible impact on the Stockton community throughout his professional career," said Ports President and General Manager Pat Filippone.
"Braden has never forgotten his roots, and has always been ready to lend a hand here in Stockton, for the community and the Ports. 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," Filippone added. "We look forward to announcing the first winner of the Dallas Braden Community Award at the end of this season."
The announcement of the creation of the Dallas Braden Community Award was made in the fifth inning at Sunday's game.
"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) 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."
Prior to making an appearance and signing autographs for free for fans at the Ports' June 28 game, Braden gave back to the Stockton community at the A's Little League Day. At the Coliseum, Braden hosted his former Little League team, Hoover Tyler, hosted a 30-minute clinic and Q&A session for a select team, and announced his new sponsorship program for Hoover Tyler. Braden 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. Braden announced he will sponsor Camron and Mitchell Alexander this season.
Braden's community support also goes beyond the diamond. This past Thanksgiving, Braden solicited and matched food donations of 845 pounds at St. Mary's Interfaith Community Services.
Braden, a graduate of Stagg High School, played for the Ports in 2005 and 2006, and was the Opening Day starter for the A's this season.
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