Two days after playing host to a back-to-school shopping trip for 125 disadvantaged grade school students, pitcher Woody Williams was honored last night as the Padres' 2006 recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award for community service.
Williams also heads and is the biggest contributor to the Padres Scholars program, which provides college scholarships to at-risk students.
In addition, Williams contributes and supports the Special Olympics, two programs for children of homeless families and two programs for abused or neglected children.
Williams last year was honored for the second time with the Padres Chairman Award for community service.
“There can't be anything better than seeing that many kids having a special day,” Williams said Monday after accompanying the San Diego students from kindergarten through fifth grade as they picked out clothes and school supplies at the Target store in Mission Valley.
Parents, guardians and Padres staffers also participated.
“That was one of the best things I've ever done,” Williams said.
Williams becomes one of 30 finalists for the national Roberto Clemente Award, which will be announced during the World Series.
Tony Gwynn won the national award – which goes to the major leaguer who best combines skills on the field with charitable work in the community – in 1999.
Castilla honored
Vinny Castilla heard you, San Diego.
“I appreciated that,” the third baseman said yesterday of the ovation he got from the Petco Park fans before and after his pinch-hit single Tuesday for the Rockies. “That was really wonderful.”
Castilla, who was released by the Padres on July 19, tipped his helmet to the crowd while trotting off the field for a pinch runner after his hit off Scott Linebrink.
The Rockies signed Castilla in late August and activated him when rosters were expanded on Sept. 1 so he could retire as a Rockie. Castilla, 39, had his best seasons while with Colorado as a member of the Blake Street Bombers.
“I wish I had done more for San Diego when I was here,” said Castilla. “But I think from the welcome, they know I tried and liked being here.”
Bill Center: (619) 293-1851; bill.center@uniontrib.com
