Congratulations To James Loney

There's always so much negativity on this site, so I figured I should probably cover the positive stuff once in a while too. Stuff like James Loney being named the Dodgers' Roberto Clemente Award winner.

"The Los Angeles Dodgers and Major League Baseball announced today that first baseman James Loney was named the Dodgers' recipient of the 2008 Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevy. He is now one of 30 Major League Club nominees for the national 2008 Roberto Clemente Award, which is given annually to the Major League Baseball player who combines outstanding skills on the baseball field with devoted work in the community.

Loney's work in the community this season has been highlighted by his commitment to the local Los Angeles chapter of Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI), a program that seeks to provide area youth an opportunity to play baseball and softball in an organized league, and is fully supported by MLB and the Los Angeles Dodgers. In June, Loney, an RBI alumnus, launched his 'Loney's Lounge' program, where 40 kids from RBI Los Angeles attended a video game party with the first baseman and several of his teammates in the Dodger Stadium Baseline Club. All the youngsters were also treated to tickets for the afternoon game that day, lunch, and a t-shirt. Subsequently, the 'Loney's Lounge' community program took place four more times through the season and culminates tonight. The program provided exclusive Baseline Box Club Seats, a meet and greet with Loney, and 'Loney's Lounge' t-shirts for youngsters from RBI Los Angeles."

Reading this was actually really surprising to me. Not because I thought he was previously a dick or anything, just because I had no idea he was so involved with the community at such a young age. It's impressive because usually players have to get famous or old before they start giving back to the community, so it's nice to see a guy do it so early.

Also, I watched that ESPN special on the RBI program that Loney narrated, and I was floored that he wasn't bad at it. Sure, he's always been well spoken, but let's be honest, he has the personality of a brick in interviews. :o