Konerko, Rollins named co
SAN FRANCISCO - Two veteran standouts who've become iconic for their 16 and 15 years playing for a single team have become the first co-winners of Major League Baseball's annual Roberto Clemente Award for service to their communities.
First baseman Paul Konerko of the Chicago White Sox and Jimmy Rollins of the Philadelphia Phillies were honored Friday for their contributions both on and off the field, including sportsmanship and community involvement.
'Our careers have been during the same time ... and I respect the way he's always played the game,' Konerko said. 'I kinda think it's a good way to do it because you have somebody to go along with you for the ride.'
Konerko, who just retired after 18 major league seasons - 16 with the White Sox - was cited for the work he and his wife have done with Children's Home and Aid in Chicago, finding homes for foster children.
He told USA TODAY Sports that staying in one place for such a long time made much easier to give back to the community that supported him.
'In '06, I had just signed to come back for five years, so I knew I was going to be back for at least that amount of time,' Konerko said. 'That makes you want to sink your teeth in more because you know, okay, I'm committed to being here.'
A six-time American League All-Star, Konerko finished his career with a .279 average, 1,412 RBI and 439 career home runs, 432 of them with the White Sox (second-most in team history behind Hall of Famer Frank Thomas).
He also was a key part of the 2005 World Series championship team and is one of
Jimmy Rollins' fundraising efforts have raised more than $1 million.(Photo: Eric Hartline, USA TODAY Sports)
Rollins also has a World Series ring, having spent his entire career with the Phillies.
He has worked for years with various organizations benefiting children, and most recently his main project is working to help feed families of at-risk and needy youth in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.
Rollins said the Clemente Award for his community service - similar to his three All-Star appearances, four Gold Gloves and the 2007 National League MVP award - wasn't ever a goal for him.
'You don't go out there with the mindset of 'I'm going to do this to win.' It just happens,' he said.
Unlike Konerko, the Phillies' all-time hits leader said he isn't close to retirement.
'Obviously I can't play forever, I'll be 36 going into next season, so the goal is to get to 40 or 41,' he said.
'As long as you're healthy and you're on the field, you're going to be able to accomplish some pretty cool things.'
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