Johnny Damon and Carlos Beltran Honored at 29th Annual Thurman Munson Awards Dinner

Tuesday evening at the Grand Hyatt New York City brought us the 29th Annual Thurman Munson Awards Dinner, benefiting the AHRC. Among the honorees for their charity work were New York Yankee Outfielder, Johnny Damon and New York Met Outfielder, Carlos Beltran.

Johnny Damon, Ron Swoboda, Carlos Beltran / N. Diunte

Damon received the Thurman Munson Award as a result of his involvement with the Wounded Warrior Project. Damon was glowing in his praise of Munson, describing him as a "gamer, great family guy, great competitor and a champion."

As much as he tried during the press conference, he could not escape the repeated questions about Joe Torre's new book which had been released the same day. Damon took a little jab at the reporters.

"I'm not sure I am going to need to read the book as I am going to hear every little bit about it every single day."

Beltran was honored for his charitable donations to create sports education programs in his native Puerto Rico. He was proud to be recognized for his efforts.

"It's about doing things right off of the field, being able to give back to the people who really need it the most," Beltran said. "When I give, I don't expect to receive awards, but when you do, it lets you know you are doing the right thing."

Beltran also tried to sidestep the Torre questions, after a reporter found the two sentences where Beltran was mentioned in the book.

"When I met with the Yankees, he wasn't there, he didn't know what we talked about," Beltran said. "He said what he said, and that's his opinion. I don't have a comment on it. I am happy where I am."

Also honored were: 1969 Mets players Ron Swoboda, Bud Harrelson, Art Shamsky, Ed Kranepool, NY Giants Wide Receiver David Tyree, former NY Knick Allan Houston and Olympic Gold Medalist Dara Torres. On hand at the event to present awards were former Yankee Bernie Williams, and 1986 Mets pitcher and SNY analyst Ron Darling.

Johnny Damon










David Tyree, Diana Munson, Allan Houston, Dara Torres, Bernie Williams

Read More

Carlos Beltran, Johnny Damon, Ron Swoboda to Appear At The 29th Annual Thurman Munson Awards Dinner Tuesday February 3, 2009 at Grand Hyatt, NYC

Who: Honorees/Special Guests: New York Mets centerfielder Carlos Beltran; New York Yankees outfielder Johnny Damon; 1969 Amazin' Mets, celebrating the 40th anniversary of World Championship, right fielder Ron Swoboda will accept; outfielder Art Shamsky, shortstop Bud Harrelson, 1st baseman Ed Kranepool, 3rd baseman Ed Charles, Joan Hodges, wife of manager Gil Hodges, son Gil Hodges, Jr., Maxene Agee, wife of centerfielder Tommie Agee, will be in attendance; Giants Super Bowl hero David Tyree; former Knicks All-Star guard Allan Houston; Olympic gold medalist Dara Torres; Corporate Hero Award honoree: Michael Rosen, Partner, Bryan Cave; Diana Munson, widow of late, great Yankee catcher Thurman Munson; Len Berman, NBC Sports, Master of Ceremonies.

What: 29th Annual Thurman Munson Awards Dinner to benefit the AHRC-NYC Foundation

Where: Grand Hyatt New York, 42nd Street at Grand Central; Chrysler Room, Mezzanine Level

When: Tuesday, February 3, 2009 Time: 7:00 pm dinner/ awards

For More Information: 212-649-6188

Diana Munson, Thurman's widow, has been involved in the benefit since its inception, raising nearly $9 million to assist children and adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. The honorees will be cited for their accomplishments on the field of play and philanthropic efforts. The AHRC New York City Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that supports programs enabling children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to lead richer, more productive lives, including programs of AHRC New York City. AHRC New York City is one of the largest organizations of its kind, serving 11,000 children and adults who have intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism, cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injuries and other disabilities.

Read More