The Luis Aparicio Award arrives at the Cooperstown Hall of Fame courtesy of Johan Santana
The legacy of the legendary Luis Aparicio reaches a new historical dimension. This Wednesday, the Cooperstown Hall of Fame officially received a statuette of the Luis Aparicio Award, in a solemn ceremony led by Johan Santana, who was the first baseball player to receive this honor.
The delivery was made to Josh Rawitch, president of the institution. The date chosen for this event was no coincidence, as it coincided with the 42nd anniversary of Aparicio’s induction into the baseball temple of the immortals. From now on, the trophy will be displayed next to the plaque that commemorates the career of the only Venezuelan who, to date, is part of the Hall of Fame.
For me it is an honor, and even more so because of the master, for what he has represented for us as Venezuelans. This award is very special for all Venezuelans.
Johan Santana
During the ceremony, the former Minnesota Twins pitcher was accompanied by Mikel Pérez, creator of the award and president of Line Up Internacional, as well as by Luis Aparicio’s children: Luis Ernesto, Karen Rose, and Nelson Manuel Aparicio Llorente. The event also served as a framework to commemorate the seven decades since Aparicio’s debut in the Major Leagues and the 60 years since his unforgettable World Series victory in 1966 with the Baltimore Orioles.
A recognition of Venezuelan excellence
Created in 2004, the Luis Aparicio Award has established itself as the highest annual recognition for the best Venezuelan baseball player in the MLB. Since its inception, thirteen players have had the privilege of lifting the statuette, with Johan Santana standing out as the first two-time winner of the trophy.
The list of award winners includes stellar figures who have left their mark on the diamond:
- Miguel Cabrera
- José Altuve
- Ronald Acuña Jr.
- Félix Hernández
- Francisco Rodríguez
- Magglio Ordóñez
- Carlos González
- Eugenio Suárez
- Salvador Pérez
- Luis Arráez
- Jesús Aguilar
- Anthony Santander
With the integration of this award into Cooperstown, it is ensured that Luis Aparicio’s impact on professional baseball remains relevant for future generations, reaffirming the fundamental role of Venezuelan players in the history of Major League Baseball.
