NLBM Honoring Santana

In 2000, the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum established its Legacy Awards to honor its picks for the best players in baseball for the year. The awards are not restricted by race. Bob Kendrick, director of marketing for the museum, says, "Some people often ask, 'Do we only recognize black players or Latin players?' No. It would be doing an injustice to those guys in the Negro Leagues not to recognize the very best." For this past season, the museum is awarding the Oscar Charleston Legacy Awards, its MVP picks, to Albert Pujols and Alex Rodriguez.

In recognition of the best pitchers in each league, the Negro Leagues Museum is awarding the Satchel Paige Legacy Awards to Dontrelle Willis and Twins ace Johan Santana.

Minnesota athletics legend, and former Twin, Dave Winfield will also receive the John "Buck" O'Neill Award in recognition of his support of the NLBM.

Three cheers for these righteous picks. If you're in Kansas City, you definitely should visit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. It's fun as well as informative, and you'll find some delicious soul food if you go eat at The Peach Tree down on the corner of the block, too. The awards ceremony will be held at the Gem Theater, across the street from the museum, on January 7. Dave Winfield is among those who have committed to attending the ceremony; but no word on whether Santana will be in the country then.