SABR Digital Library: Overcoming Adversity: Baseball’s Tony Conigliaro Award

Overcoming Adversity: Baseball’s Tony Conigliaro Award
Edited by Bill Nowlin and Clayton Trutor
Publication Date: January 19, 2017

ISBN (paperback): 978-1-9438-1643-9, $14.95 
ISBN (e-book) 978-1-943816-42-2, $6.99
8.5″ x 11″, 211 pages

The Tony Conigliaro Award is given each year to the Major League Baseball player who “overcomes an obstacle and adversity through the attributes of spirit, determination, and courage that were trademarks of Tony Conigliaro.” Conigliaro was hit in the face by a pitch in 1967. His injuries were so severe that he did not return to the playing field until 1969, homering on Opening Day. Despite his dramatic return, Conigliaro continued to be plagued with vision problems and was forced to retire at age 30.

Instituted in 1990 by the Red Sox to honor Conigliaro after his death, the award has been given to 29 players (through 2016) including Rocco Baldelli, Dickie Thon, Jim Abbott, Curtis Pride, and R.A. Dickey. The life stories of these players have been gathered in this SABR Digital Library book through the collective efforts of 27 authors and editors who are members of the Society for American Baseball Research.

Professional athletes perform seemingly superhuman feats at work every day. While they possess extraordinary skills, they, too, must persevere through human struggles, both physical and personal. Many MLB players have overcome significant adversity, obstacles, and disabilities to achieve their dreams on the diamond. The 29 athletes who have been presented with the Tony Conigliaro Award offer inspirational examples of ballplayers who have overcome significant adversity to enable them to pursue their professional careers.

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Below: Find player biographies from Overcoming Adversity: Baseball’s Tony Conigliaro Award

Biographies


Contributors: Rich Bogovich, Ryan Brecker, Mark Brunke, Alan Cohen, Rory Costello, Gordon Edes, Greg Erion, Charles F. Faber, Eric Frost, Joy Hackenmueller, Donna L. Halper, Mike Huber, Norm King, Susan Lantz, David Laurila, Bob LeMoine, Len Levin, Scot Johnson, Skip Nipper, Bill Nowlin, Joel Rippel, David E. Skelton, Mark S. Sternman, Rick Swaine, Clayton Trutor, Saul Wisnia, and Gregory H. Wolf.

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