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Rays' Baldelli Wins Conigliaro Award

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By TONY FABRIZIO

afabrizio@tampatrib.com

Published: November 26, 2008

Rocco Baldelli, whose inspirational personal story became a separate chapter in the Rays' storybook season, on Tuesday was named the winner of the Tony Conigliaro Award.

The award goes to a major-league player who has "overcome adversity through the attributes of spirit, determination and courage" as exhibited by the late Conigliaro.

Baldelli fought his way back onto the roster after missing 15 months with mitochondrial disorder, which causes chronic muscle fatigue, and contributed to the World Series run.

In Tampa Bay's seven-game AL Championship Series triumph over the Red Sox, Baldelli batted .333 with a home run and four RBIs.

Teams submit nominations for the award, and an independent 12-person panel votes. Baldelli was first with 43 points, followed by Arizona's Doug Davis with 27 and Oakland's Brad Zeigler with 26.

Conigliaro's brothers, Billy and Richie, will present the award at the Boston Baseball Writers' Association of America's annual dinner Jan. 8.

"Tony C" became the youngest player (20) to lead the majors in home runs with 32 in 1965. His career was shortened when he was hit in the face by a pitch in 1967. He missed all of 1968 and made a dramatic comeback in 1969.

After a final comeback with the Red Sox in 1975, Conigliaro suffered a massive heart attack in 1982 and died eight years later.

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