Bart Giamatti Caring Award

In 1989, was the first winner of this honor created by the Baseball Alumni Team (BAT) in honor of the late Baseball Commissioner who died that year (Sep 1). At the time of the announcement, BAT Chairman Ralph Branca said, "Just as Bart Giamatti was a caring person, so is Cal Ripken Jr. Giamatti's devotion to baseball and education is mirrored in the things that Cal has done."

About the Award

The Bart Giamatti Caring Award was named in honor of the former baseball commissioner in recognition of his contributions to local community development and his continued caring for charitable organizations outside the baseball community.

The award is given annually to a current baseball player who demonstrates that same caring concern, not only on the baseball diamond, but off the field with charitable works and community development. It is an award that honors a current player who is revered in the community not only because of his financial contributions but for his most valuable asset, time, something that can never be replaced.

The Giamatti Award is the only award given annually to an active player and that indivdual is selected from the 100’s of active players.

The selection is made by the Baseball Assitance Team (B.A.T.) Board of Directors headed by Chariman, Ralph Branca and President, Joe Garagiola. The Baseball Assistance Team is primarily a group of major league players united to help members of the baseball "family" who have come upon hard times. It has a 501( C ) (3) status with the Internal Revenue Service, which makes all contributions tax deductible.