Rays OF Baldelli wins Conigliaro Award

Nov 25, 2008 - 11:22 PM BOSTON (Ticker) -- Outfielder Rocco Baldelli of the American League champion Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday was named the winner of the Tony Conigliaro Award, which is awarded to the player who overcomes adversity through the attributes of spirit, determination and courage.

The award is named after the former Boston Red Sox player who had his career cut short after getting hit in the face with a pitch at Fenway Park in 1967. The Red Sox began presenting it in 1990, the year Conigliaro died.

After missing 15 months with a mitochondrial disorder that causes muscle fatigue, Baldelli battled his way back to the major leagues this season.

The Rhode Island native returned to the lineup on August 10 and batted .283 with four home runs and 13 RBI in 28 games during the stretch for the Rays.

The "Woonsocket Rocket" played a key role in Tampa Bay's seven-game victory over the Red Sox in the American League Championship Series, hitting .333 with a home run and four RBI.

Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester, who overcame Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, was named last year's winner of the Conigliaro Award.