Philadelphia, Pa. – The Shane Victorino Foundation (SVF) today announced that the United States Jaycees have named the Foundation’s co-founder and Phillies’ center fielder as one of the 2011 Ten Outstanding Young Americans (TOYA). Since 1938, the United States Jaycees have annually named the ten young men and women who best exemplify the finest attributes of America’s youthful achievers. Prior honorees also include former President Bill Clinton; Pro Football Hall of Famer, Gale Sayers; Super Bowl XXXIV Champion Kurt Warner; and others.
“Being chosen by the Jaycees as one of this year’s Ten Outstanding Young Americans is extremely humbling, and I am grateful to the organization for believing that I am worthy of such a distinction,” stated Victorino. “When you look at the list of remarkable people who have previously received this honor, it’s pretty extraordinary. So for me to be associated with such an impressive collection of inspirational and talented individuals is quite overwhelming.”
A World Series Champion, MLB All-Star and recipient of three consecutive Gold Glove awards, Victorino has compiled a respectable resume on the baseball field. However, he has also accomplished a great deal out of uniform in the role of philanthropist. Last year, Shane and his wife, Melissa, established the Shane Victorino Foundation with the mission to promote opportunities for underserved youth in Philadelphia and Hawaii by engaging in projects that provide children with educational, recreational and wellness programs.
In Philadelphia, the Foundation’s initial endeavor involved pledging just under $1 million to renovate the 105-year-old Nicetown Boys & Girls Club. The club will be renamed the Shane Victorino Nicetown Boys & Girls Club upon its reopening in early fall, making it one of only three Boys & Girls Clubs named in honor of a MLB player. Victorino will join National Baseball Hall of Famers Jackie Robinson and Willie Mays in that category. Additionally, the SVF currently sponsors the Flyin’ Hawaiian All-Stars charity ticket program, which provides children’s groups with game tickets, t-shirts and concessions. In Hawaii, the Foundation has raised more than a half-of-a-million dollars over the past three years for various charities, including the Hawaii Children’s Cancer Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of Maui and others.
Victorino’s dedication to the community has been recognized in the past. He was honored in 2011 as the Humanitarian of the Year by the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association. In 2010, Victorino earned the Phillies ’Tug McGraw “Good Guy Award,” the club’s Community Service Award and selection by the Phillies’ as the team’s nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award. Additionally, he received the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award in 2008 for best exemplifying the character and integrity, both on and off the field, of “The Iron Horse.”
“We are very proud of Shane and congratulate him on this tremendous honor,” said Phillies’ President David Montgomery. “Serving the community is an integral part of our organizational philosophy, so it’s especially rewarding when one of our players is recognized for his charitable efforts.”