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Sacramento River Cats

‘Mario Encarnacion Award' to be announced on Thursday at Raley Field

August 22, 2007 - Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Sacramento River Cats News Release


WHAT: In October of 2005, the River Cats family lost one of its favorite sons. Mario Encarnacion played in Sacramento during the River Cats' first two seasons, 2000 and 2001, but his active role in the Sacramento community left a legacy that continues to grow to this day. Encarnacion passed away last October while playing professional baseball in Taiwan. He is survived by his wife Rosana and son, Mario Jr.

An electric talent with a flare for the spectacular play, Mario was one of baseball's truly legitimate "5-tool players." Though it was not his play that captured the imaginations and hearts of River Cats fans; it was his infectious smile and warm demeanor.

To ensure that Encarnacion's name lives on forever in River Cats fans' hearts, the Sacramento River Cats Foundation, with special help from the Sacramento Bee's Marcos Breton, created the Mario Encarnacion Humanitarian Award in 2006. In keeping with Mario's memory, the award will honor a young student athlete who shows a commitment to his or her teammates, classmates and neighbors. The award will be given to those athletes who inspire others through their story, lead by example and are role models to others.

The 2007 Mario Encarnacion Award will be presented to Luke Duval from Pleasant Grove High School. Duval, Pleasant Grove's team captain and leader, has persevered through a rare brain disorder and continues to make an extraordinary impact on the lives of teammates, loved ones and all those around him.

WHEN: Thursday, August 23rd - pre-game ceremony prior to 7:05 p.m. first pitch

WHERE: Raley Field

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