September 19, 2011 – Any debate about the Phillies most valuable everyday player this season has centerfielder Shane Victorino high on the list. He has been one of the club’s leading hitters all season, and he has fielded his position flawlessly, evidenced by the fact he has yet to commit an error.

The native of Wailuku, Hawaii – his nickname is “The Flyin’ Hawaiian” – has become almost as well known for his charitable causes as for his baseball prowess. Last week, the 30-year-old Victorino was named the 20th winner of the Branch Rickey Award, presented by the Rotary Club of Denver to a Major League Baseball player for his charitable work. Through funding from the Shane Victorino Foundation, a newly renovated Boys and Girls Club will soon open in the Nicetown section of Philadelphia. His foundation has also provided about $500,000 toward Boys and Girls Clubs in Hawaii.

Read the full article, including a Q&A with Shane, at Philly.com