Puerto Rico Proud: Yadier Molina wins Roberto Clemente Award

BOSTON – Vera Clemente pointed her right index finger up at the sky and smiled gently Wednesday night as she noted how proud her late husband would have been to present fellow Puerto Rican Yadier Molina with the the Roberto Clemente Award.

The legendary Roberto Clemente devoted his life to help the less fortunate. He left a legacy of giving in Puerto Rico and throughout Latin America after he died on Dec. 31, 1972, when his cargo plane crashed off the coast of San Juan on a relief mission to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua.

Molina embodied Clemente’s spirit last year when he rushed back home to Puerto Rico immediately after the St. Louis Cardinals’ 2017 season ended to help the victims of Hurricane Maria. He continued to help his island throughout this year, holding a sold-out dinner in St. Louis in June to raise funds.

Molina was honored with the Roberto Clemente Award in large part because of his work helping Puerto Rico recover from Maria, but his Foundation4 (Fundación 4) has also helped support children’s causes on the island since 2010.

That’s why Vera Clemente pointed to the sky while thinking about what her husband would say about Molina earning his award.

“He would be proud up there to know that [Molina is] one of the winners of his prize because [Molina is] somebody who is following the legacy that he left to help your fellow man, children and everybody else,” Vera said.

Molina was unable to attend the award presentation before Game 2 of the World Series at Fenway Park because he is in Colombia managing the Puerto Rican Under-23 team.

Molina’s wife Wanda Torres received the honor on his behalf. She was accompanied by their son Yanuell and daughter Arianna.

“He is really sad that he couldn’t be here, but he is representing the island in Colombia, and it was kind of a mess to get him here on time,” Torres said. “But we’re very happy. It’s a huge honor.

“It’s the biggest recognition to receive the Roberto Clemente Award, especially for a Puerto Rican. He’s our legend and our own hero. And every time your name is next to his, it’s wonderful.”

Molina became the fifth Cardinals player to win the Roberto Clemente Award, following Hall of Famers Lou Brock (1975) and Ozzie Smith (1995) and potential Hall of Famers Albert Pujols (2008) and Carlos Beltrán (2013).

Molina was mentored by Pujols early in his career in St. Louis. Moreover, he and Beltrán, who retired after the 2017 season, have been the most respected Puerto Rican stars of their generation.

“It’s a great honor to win this award and it’s even more special to me because I’m Puerto Rican,” Molina said. “For us, Clemente is a hero and a legend and we highly respect and admire him not only as a one of the greatest players but as a humanitarian who lost his life helping those in need. And to be associated with him is a true privilege.”

Clemente is an iconic and saintly figure in Puerto Rico. He is such a beloved figure, boricuas still hang his portrait in their homes.

A framed picture of Clemente was situated next to a picture of Jesus Christ at Molina’s childhood home. That’s how much the Molina family revered Clemente.

“It’s a great honor to be part of the Molina family and to be a Puerto Rican,” Yadier Molina’s older brother Bengie said. “We are super proud of our brother Yadi for winning this prestigious award.

“Roberto Clemente is our whole island’s hero. Very special. And, yes, he’s still on our wall in Puerto Rico. Our hero.”

Molina is the fourth player of Puerto Rican ancestry to win the award, following Edgar Martínez (2004), Carlos Delgado (2006) and Beltrán.

The award was first given out by Major League Baseball in 1971 and then renamed in Clemente’s honor in 1973. Seventeen Hall of Famers have claimed the prize. Some past winners such as Martínez, Beltrán, Pujols and Clayton Kershaw and Molina also might eventually land a spot among the immortals in Cooperstown, N.Y.

Even in Cooperstown, Clemente has a special place among baseball’s all-time greats with Jackie Robinson and Lou Gehrig as the three icons honored with “Character and Courage” statues at the entrance to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Molina, who has raised more than $800,000 for Hurricane Maria relief, has lived up to Clemente’s legacy.

“Yadi is a great example of what a great man is,” Clemente’s son, Luis, said. “And utilizing all his resources, not only just sending [money]. He could have just sent help or fund some other organizations, but he was hands-on.”

“He went on out there and helped fill whatever was needed. And his passion in doing so, I think exemplifies all the greatness of baseball’s goodwill. So he’s a great ambassador for baseball and for Puerto Rico, as well.”

Featured Image: Michael Thomas / Getty Images Sport

Inset Image: La Vida Baseball