Major League Baseball announced that Miguel Cabrera was named the Detroit Tigers 2023 nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One, baseball’s most prestigious individual honor for Major Leaguers.

The Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One is the annual recognition of a Major League player who best represents the game of Baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.

As part of the annual program, each MLB Club nominates one player to be considered for the league-wide Award in tribute to Clemente’s achievements and character.

Beginning his charitable efforts for the city in 2008, Cabrera played a pivotal role in the launch of Play Baseball Detroit, a transformative youth baseball outreach program aimed at bolstering youth baseball and softball programs in the greater Detroit region that reaches over 10,000 children annually.

In 2010, Cabrera’s generosity extended globally, with substantial donations to Project Medishare for Haiti, Inc., providing critical medical relief to those affected by the earthquake in January of that year. He also demonstrated a deep commitment to the local community by supporting youth baseball programming through contributions to the Clark Park Coalition in a predominantly Hispanic community. Furthermore, Cabrera’s efforts reached the Miracle League of Michigan, providing invaluable support to children with special needs.

In 2011, Cabrera purchased jerseys for the Detroit RBI team, allowing them to participate in the regional tournament. Additionally, he assumed the role of host for the annual Keeping Kids in the Game event, solidifying his commitment to fostering youth development through sports.

In 2012, Miguel’s dream of becoming an accomplished baseball player inspired him and his wife, Rosangel, to establish the Miguel Cabrera Foundation, a charitable organization founded on belief that we can achieve great things when we work hard, dream big and help others. Through a collaborative effort with the Detroit Tigers Foundation, the foundation launched “Cabrera’s Chamitos,” a program providing Tigers game tickets and t-shirts to charitable organizations for children that could otherwise not afford to see the Tigers play at Comerica Park.

In 2015, Cabrera hosted a series of free youth baseball events called “Miggy Ball” in his native Venezuela, providing hundreds of boys and girls between the ages of 8-10 the chance to learn from a baseball icon and play on a professional ball field.

In 2017, Cabrera established the Cabrera Family Scholarship endowment, awarding two annual renewable college scholarships to first-generation college students in Michigan and South Florida, underscoring his dedication to educational empowerment.

Responding to the COVID-19 crisis in 2020, Cabrera and his wife, Rosangel, donated $250,000 to provide crucial resources such as meals for children, technology for students, daycare for families and high-quality face masks for Detroiters.

In 2021, Cabrera joined Gov. Gretchen Whitmer as a co-chair for the Protect Michigan Commission, promoting COVID-19 vaccinations in the State of Michigan, recording PSAs in English and Spanish to motivate residents to get vaccinated, wear masks and socially distance to reduce the spread of the virus.

Cabrera will be recognized as the Tigers nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award in a pre-game ceremony on Friday, September 29, prior to Detroit’s game against the Cleveland Guardians.

Friday, September 15^th marks the 22^nd annual Roberto Clemente Day presented by Capital One, which was established by Major League Baseball to honor Clemente’s legacy as a humanitarian and to formally acknowledge Club nominees of the Roberto Clemente Award. As part of the league-wide celebration, the Roberto Clemente Day logo will appear on the bases and official dugout lineup cards and a customized tribute video to Roberto will be shown in all MLB ballparks on Roberto Clemente Day as well as on MLB Network, MLB.com, Club sites and MLB Social Media Platforms.

• English-version: https://www.mlb.com/video/roberto-clemente-award
• Spanish-version:https://www.mlb.com/es/video/premio-roberto-clemente

The league-wide winner of the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One will be honored at the 2023 World Series following selection by a blue-ribbon panel. This panel includes representatives from the Commissioner’s Office, Capital One, MLB-affiliated networks (MLB Network, FOX Sports, ESPN and TBS), MLB.com, the National Baseball Hall of Fame, as well as Roberto’s children, Enrique, Luis and Roberto Clemente, Jr. Beginning today, fans can vote for the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One via MLBTogether.com/clemente21 (in both English and Spanish). The site, which will feature bios of each of the nominees, will allow fans to vote until the end of the season on Sunday, October 1^st. The winner of the fan vote will count as one vote among those cast by the blue-ribbon panel.

The concept of honoring Major League players for their philanthropic work was created in 1971 as the “Commissioner’s Award.” The recognition was renamed to the “Roberto Clemente Award” in 1973 tribute to Clemente following his passing.

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• End of the year celebration to be held at William Clay Ford Baseball Field on September 9

On September 9, the Detroit Tigers Foundation’s Play Ball Detroit initiative – powered by Nike – will officially conclude its first year of programming efforts during a youth-focused End of Year Celebration at William Clay Ford Baseball Field in Detroit.

In June, the Detroit Tigers launched Play Ball Detroit with the support of Nike. The grassroots initiative aims to provide equitable access to baseball and softball for thousands of children across the city of Detroit.

Saturday’s celebratory event will provide an opportunity for community members to learn about the impact of Play Ball Detroit, and for approximately 60 youth participants from neighborhoods across Detroit the chance to interact with current Tigers outfielder Akil Baddoo. Renovated in 2015, William Clay Ford Baseball Field is built on the grounds where Willie Horton played baseball as a child.

“We are thrilled to gather with youth and community members from neighborhoods across Detroit to celebrate the success of this incredible initiative on Saturday,” said Kevin Brown, Director of Community Impact for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment. “In its first year, Play Ball Detroit delivered big on a central tenet of our mission to inspire children through access and opportunity in the game, and we are looking forward to the continual growth of this grassroots initiative.”

About Play Ball Detroit

Through Play Ball Detroit, the Tigers and Nike spearheaded support for hyper-local and low-cost programs engaging nearly 3,000 young Detroiters in baseball or softball. Engagements with teams included a citywide Tiny Tigers program and Tigers Nike RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) – a collective of travel baseball and softball teams from the city.

In totality, Play Ball Detroit invested more than $250,000 from the Detroit Tigers Foundation and Nike, which covered the costs for uniforms and equipment, field clean-up efforts, clinics and tournament travel, local Opening Day ceremonies and more.

This year Play Ball Detroit inspired nearly 3,000 children from six partner organizations across Detroit to dream big through the power of Tigers baseball. To learn more about Play Ball Detroit, visit www.PlayBallDetroit.com.

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• The four-meat pizza-calzone hybrid is sure to be this season’s MVP for its $8.99 value

As the Official Pizza Sponsor of the NFL, Little Caesars is giving pizza eaters and football fans the opportunity to draft the ultimate gametime meal that satisfies the entire team and their appetites. Little Caesars is putting its signature Crazy Calzony®, a pizza-calzone combo, back in the lineup and amping it up with a variety of toppings to create a product that has something for everyone – the 4-Quarter Calzony.

Fans can get their hands on the 4-Quarter Calzony for $8.99* as early as September 4 by ordering online or using the Little Caesars app. Then, starting September 11, guests can simply walk in and pick it up  HOT-N-READY® from 4-8 P.M. at participating locations nationwide. Don’t wait to call an audible. This meaty, cheesy, crowd pleaser is only available for a limited time.

This product features four different meats: pepperoni, bacon, ham, and Italian sausage. Its calzone-like crust is topped with a buttery flavored spread and is filled with mozzarella and one meat from the center. To round it all out, the 4-Quarter Calzony is served with Crazy Sauce™ for dipping.  

“The 4-Quarter Calzony ensures everyone at the pregame or watch party has something to eat,” said Greg Hamilton, chief marketing officer at Little Caesars. “You can satisfy cravings with just one product instead of getting four different pizzas. Combined with the calzone crust, this innovative menu item is a victory for any get-together.”

*Plus tax where applicable. Available at participating locations. Prices may vary. Prices higher in AK, HI, and third-party online sites. Delivery available from participating locations with online orders only. Delivery fees apply. Small order fee for delivery orders less than $12.

For more information about Little Caesars, visit LittleCaesars.com and follow @LittleCaesars on Instagram and Facebook.

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As part of the Ilitch organization’s long-standing dedication of giving back to communities in which it serves around the world, Ilitch Charities and its affiliated charitable foundations recently hosted a weekend of events benefiting organizations that make a positive impact on the lives of many.

On August 24, the Detroit Tigers Foundation held its Keeping Kids in the Game fundraising event at Comerica Park. Focusing on youth health, sports and education, the event benefited Make-A-Wish, providing positive life-changing experiences to local critically ill youth, and the Miguel Cabrera Foundation, which, among other things, promotes recreational baseball and softball to children between 6 and 10 years of age.  

A celebration to thank the individuals and organizations who donate their time and efforts to continue moving the community forward took place on Saturday, August 26. Guests mingled throughout the pedestrian-friendly Columbia Street and the historic Fox Theatre, sampling food from area restaurants, enjoying live entertainment, participating in a silent auction benefitting Ilitch Charities, and more. The weekend’s activities wrapped up on August 28, with the 15^th Annual Ilitch Charities Celebrity Golf Classic, Ilitch Charities’ largest annual fundraiser at Oakland Hills Country Club – which, founded in 1916, has played a significant role in the history of golf in the United States.

These annual events raise funds for vital community programs. This year’s charitable gift recipients were announced during a community celebration in the Grand Lobby of the Fox Theatre. Ilitch Charities donated $100,000 each to three organizations making a positive difference.

This year’s awardees were:

• Hatch Detroit by TechTown, which provides funding, education, exposure and mentoring to up-and-coming entrepreneurs through its annual Comerica Hatch Detroit Contest. “The $100,000 donation is incredibly meaningful to the organization and will allow them to continue their support of small businesses,” said Linda Nogesbe, National Community Impact Manager and Vice President at Comerica Bank.
• The Eastern Market Partnership, the non-profit that operates Eastern Market, which makes fresh food more accessible and creates opportunities for small business owners. Cindy Pasky, chair of the Board of Directors of the Eastern Market Partnership, accepted the donation, noting, “This is one of the largest contributions Eastern Market has ever received.”  
• The Detroit Public Schools Foundation, which accepted a gift geared towards career and technical educational programs that train students to join the workforce, including Detroit Public Schools Community District’s Davis Aerospace Technical High School at Golightly, Philip Randolph Career and Technical Center, and Breithaupt Career and Technical Center. Kerrie Mitchell, President & CEO of the Detroit Public Schools Foundation spoke on behalf of the foundation in accepting the gift. Mitchell said, “This $100,000 is life-changing to the students and families at DPSCD.”

“We remain dedicated to giving back to the communities in which we serve,” said Chris Ilitch, CEO of Ilitch Companies and Chairman, Ilitch Charities. “Through our charities, foundations, volunteerism and impactful programs, we are honored to support hundreds of organizations working to make our cities and towns stronger.”

Over the years, more than $250 million and thousands of volunteer hours have been donated to worthy causes by the Ilitch Companies, Ilitch Charites, and its affiliates and owners.

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The 14^th Annual Ilitch Charities Celebrity Golf Classic took place on Monday, August 22 at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills. The outing is the organization’s largest charitable event, raising funds for vital community programs. This year’s donations were revealed on Saturday, August 20 at the first-ever Detroit Sports + Entertainment Community Celebration, held in The District Detroit on Columbia Street and at the historic Fox Theatre.

Ilitch Charities invests in our community’s future by working to make it a better place for all, which is made possible by support from generous sponsors, celebrity guests, partners and contributions from Ilitch companies and colleagues. The Detroit Sports + Entertainment Community Celebration was a chance to honor and thank all of those who have donated their time and efforts throughout the year to move our community forward.

During the event at the Fox Theatre, Chris Ilitch, President and CEO of Ilitch Holdings, Inc., presented Grow Detroit’s Young Talent, The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, and Downtown Boxing Gym with a donation of $100,000 each. Ilitch Charities is proud to have longstanding relationships with these worthy charitable organizations that each make a significant and lasting impact on the community.

“We cannot run this program without the help of our philanthropic investors.” said Terri Weems, President of Detroit Employment Solutions Corporation, the non-profit fiduciary for Detroit at Work, which hosts Grow Detroit’s Young Talent. This signature program employees over 8,000 Detroit youth between the ages of 18-24 for a six-week summer employment opportunity each year. “The overwhelming majority of donations end up with the youth to pay wages for the six weeks they are employed. This donation from Ilitch Charities will go to support at least 50 Detroit youth in the summer of 2023.”

For over half a century, the Wright Museum has dedicated itself to exploring and celebrating the rich cultural legacy of African Americans. The Ilitch companies have maintained a longstanding relationship with the Wright Museum through support of programs that celebrate this history in Detroit. “This contribution is significant to us because it shows that Ilitch Charities appreciates the work that we do, and they understand the asset we are to Detroit. It’s an important gift that they have made to us, and we are deeply appreciative, particularly from a company that is also such a vital part of what Detroit is.” said Neil Barclay, President and CEO of The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.

With a mission to “train kids for life,” the Downtown Boxing Gym provides a free after-school academic and athletic program to students ages 8-18, with continuing mentorship and support through age 25. “This program is a launching pad for the future. These kids are truly our future and will be the next rocket scientists and engineers.” said Khali Sweeney, Founder and President of Detroit Boxing Gym. “It is incredible to have corporate sponsors like Ilitch Charities supportive of our mission, and we are forever grateful for that.”

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Amanda Vought, who has spent the past six years designing and implementing processes to enhance the guest and colleague experience at venues managed by Ilitch Sports + Entertainment (IS+E), has been promoted to Vice President of Guest Strategy.

Vought was hired as IS+E’s Guest Experience Designer in 2017 and has earned three promotions throughout her tenure with the organization. She was also named Manager of Guest Strategy & Analytics in 2020, before being promoted to Director of Guest Strategy & Analytics in 2021.

In her new role, Vought will identify and measure strategies to elevate the guest and colleague experience at Little Caesars Arena, Comerica Park, the Fox Theatre, Pine Knob Music Theatre, Meadow Brook Amphitheatre and Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre. She will also serve as IS+E’s primary liaison to all food and beverage partners across all Ilitch-managed venues.

Vought will apply feedback, data and metrics from guest and colleague experience surveys to formulate short – and long-term strategies and develop training programs for event colleagues and other guest-facing departments. She will continue to be the organization’s primary liaison to KultureCity, which named Little Caesars Arena the 2021 Sensory Inclusive Venue of the Year.

“Amanda is well-deserving of this promotion to our senior leadership team, and we’re very happy for her,” said Ryan Gustafson, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer. “She is passionate about elevating the guest and colleague experience and brings a data-driven approach to those strategies. Providing a tremendous guest experience at all of our venues is at the top of our priority list, and Amanda is the right person to lead those efforts.”

Prior to her current tenure at IS+E, Vought worked in training roles at Hard Rock Park (2008) in Myrtle Beach, S.C., International Theme Park Services (2008-10) in Cincinnati, Six Flags America (2010-13) in Largo, Md., and Sears (2014-16) and London Square (2016-17) in metro Detroit.    

“I’m honored and humbled to receive this promotion and am thankful to Tim Padgett and Ryan Gustafson for the opportunity,” Vought said. “Metro Detroit is an incredible area for sports and entertainment, and our guests and colleagues bring passionate energy to our venues all year long. I look forward to continuing to serve them and enhancing their experience.”

Vought, born and raised in nearby St. Clair Shores, Mich., earned her bachelor’s degree in Interpersonal Communication from Michigan State University in 2005.  

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• 2018 First-Round Pick Has Played in 152 Games With Detroit

The Detroit Red Wings today re-signed center Joe Veleno to a one-year contract with an average annual value of $825,000.

Veleno, 23, spent the entire 2022-23 season with the Red Wings and set career highs in games played (81), goals (9), assists (11), points (20), penalty minutes (30), shots (85), hits (152) and blocks (44). The 6-foot-1, 203-pound forward split the 2021-22 campaign between the Red Wings and American Hockey League’s Grand Rapids Griffins, recording 15 points (8-7-15) and 22 penalty minutes in 66 games with the Red Wings, in addition to 10 points (6-4-10) and four penalty minutes in 11 appearances for the Griffins. Veleno began the 2020-21 season with the Swedish Hockey League’s Malmo Redhawks, notching 20 points (11-9-20) and 20 penalty minutes in 46 games before netting one goal (1-0-1) in five games with Detroit and three points (1-2-3) in four games with the Griffins. Originally selected by the Red Wings in the first round (30th overall) of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, Veleno has totaled 36 points (18-18-36) and 56 penalty minutes in 152 NHL games since 2020-21. He has also collected 36 points (18-18-36) and 26 penalty minutes in 69 games with Grand Rapids.

Prior to turning professional, Veleno played four seasons with the Saint John Sea Dogs and Drummondville Voltigeurs in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League from 2015-19, racking up 266 points (90-176-266), a plus-82 rating and 106 penalty minutes in 230 games, along with 46 points (27-19-46) and 34 penalty minutes in 61 postseason matchups. In 2018-19, Veleno was selected to the QMJHL First All-Star Team after ranking fourth in the league with 104 points (42-62-104) in 59 regular-season games with Drummondville. Veleno helped Saint John win a QMJHL championship in 2016-17, notching 40 points (13-27-40) and 18 penalty minutes in 45 regular-season games before collecting 11 points (8-3-11) and 14 penalty minutes in 18 playoff contests. A native of Kirkland, Quebec, Veleno became the first Quebec-born prospect to be granted exceptional player status by Hockey Canada in 2015. On the international stage, Veleno was a member of Canada’s gold-medal entry at the 2023 IIHF World Championship, tallying five points (2-3-5) in five games. He also represented his country at back-to-back IIHF World Junior Championships in 2019 and 2020, earning a gold medal at the 2020 tournament. Additionally, Veleno dished out three assists in four appearances at the 2018 IIHF World Under-18 Championship and captained Team Canada to a gold medal at the 2017 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Tournament.

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Pete Soto, who has spent more than 25 years leading game presentation, event planning and video production initiatives across professional sports, has been named the Vice President of Game Presentation and Fan Experience for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment (IS+E).

In his new role, Soto will direct the fan experience for the Detroit Red Wings, Little Caesars Arena, the Detroit Tigers and Comerica Park. Soto will oversee game presentation and live event experience elements at both venues, and his direct reports will include the game presentation, promotions and special events team at the Tigers, and the game presentation team at the Red Wings. Soto reports directly to IS+E Chief Marketing Officer Alexis Lee.

Soto has spent more than 25 years working for teams across MLB, the NHL and NFL, producing and innovating groundbreaking in-game experiences for fans of the Los Angeles Chargers (2019-23), Atlanta Falcons (2014-19), Florida Panthers (2011-14), Carolina Hurricanes (1998-2011) and Miami Marlins (1993-98).

“We are very excited to welcome Pete Soto to Detroit and our organization,” said Ryan Gustafson, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer. “Providing a best-in-class fan experience at our venues remains at the top of our priority list, and Pete brings nearly three decades of expertise in providing immersive experiences for guests across sports and entertainment. We look forward to the energy and engagement that Pete and his team will bring to Tigers and Red Wings fans on game days.”

Throughout Soto’s career, he has helped produce game presentation and digital experiences for nine Super Bowls, three Stanley Cup Finals, three Olympic Games, the 1997 World Series and much more. He has received five championship rings.

“I’m thrilled to join Ilitch Sports and Entertainment at such an exciting time for the organization,” Soto said. “The Tigers and Red Wings are iconic brands, and Comerica Park and Little Caesars Arena are world-class venues, located within steps of each other in the heart of The District Detroit. I’m looking forward to helping create unforgettable experiences and memories for our fans.”    

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Today, August 9, marks the grand opening of The District Detroit Opportunity Center. Located at 2277 Woodward Avenue and accessible via public transportation, the center aims to connect Detroit’s current and future residents with various services, including jobs, workforce training and housing. The District Detroit Opportunity Center is part of the Community Benefits Agreement that was created between Olympia Development of Michigan and Related Companies and the Neighborhood Advisory Council as part of the 10 new and restored building developments planned in The District Detroit.

Rian English-Barnhill, Vice President of Government and Community Affairs at Olympia Development of Michigan, said: “The District Detroit Opportunity Center is a tangible example of our shared commitment to improving the lives of Detroiters by working with various partners in bringing jobs and opportunities to our community. We encourage anyone who is seeking a job, job training or housing assistance to come by or reach out by phone or email.”

Participating state and local partners helping connect people with services include American Interiors, the City of Detroit, Detroit Home Connect, Detroit at Work, Grow Detroit’s Young Talent, Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, Little Caesars, Michigan Secretary of State, MillerKnoll, Wayne County Community College District and the Workforce Development Institute.

“Through our partnership with The District Detroit, we are providing clear pathways for youth and adults to build careers in real estate, construction management, and/or the skilled trades,” said Dana L. Williams, Chief Strategy Officer of Detroit at Work. “With the employment and educational experiences designed, Detroiters can work onsite at construction sites with our union partners through the Fast Track program, Detroit youth can gain knowledge about working in this field, and all eligible Detroiter participants can take advantage of the barrier removal services the Detroit at Work system provides, maximizing the untapped talent we all know is here.”

“The District Detroit Opportunity Center is an important tool to help us reach our resident employment and business participation goals,” said Yanet Garcia, Vice President of Construction at Related. “We are and will continue to work hard to ensure that Detroiters are participating and benefiting from our real estate development projects in The District Detroit.”

Pre-development work continues for the planned 10 new and restored buildings in The District Detroit. The first Contractor Fair was held in June and bid packages and construction permits are under development. Inclusive development in The District Detroit will positively impact the city, state and region and includes thousands of jobs and much needed affordable housing along with other community benefits agreed to through a robust community engagement process.

In addition to The District Detroit Opportunity Center, Olympia Development and Related hosted their first community input design charettes and contributed to Detroit’s Affordable Housing Fund.

Current hours of operation for The District Detroit Opportunity Center are Monday through Thursday 10am to 2pm or by appointment. For more information call 313-471-3045, email info@TheDistrictDetroitOC.com or visit TheDistrictDetroitOC.com.

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