Johan Santana unable to attend B.A.T. event
New York Mets' Johan Santana delivers a pitch during the first inning. (June 19, 2012) Credit: AP
One charitable endeavor is keeping Johan Santana from accepting an award for another charitable endeavor.
Santana, set to be honored on Tuesday night at the “Going to Bat for B.A.T. Fundraising Dinner” for his financial support and generosity to the organization, sent out a statement Tuesday morning that he would not be able to attend.
“I was deeply honored to receive such a prestigious award from B.A.T.,” Santana said. “B.A.T is a cause I’ve long supported since being in the majors and one I will continue to support. Unfortunately, however, I will not be able to attend Tuesday’s dinner because I’m still in Venezuela trying to complete the paperwork for the construction of the baseball and soccer stadium in my hometown of Tovar. Again, my apologies on not being there and my congratulations to all the honorees.”
The B.A.T. organization assists “members of the baseball family through financial grants, healthcare programs and rehabilitative counseling.”
Yankees reliever Joba Chamberlain will be receiving the Bart Giamatti Award, given to an individual who “exemplifies the compassion demonstrated by the late Commissioner.”
