SAN DIEGO -- Padres third baseman Yangervis Solarte was selected as the 18th winner of the Tony Conigliaro Award, given annually to "the Major Leaguer who has overcome adversity through the attributes of spirit, determination and courage that were trademarks of Tony C."
The Award was voted upon by a group of 20 media members, executives, Red Sox officials and members of the Conigliaro family. Conigliaro, a former Red Sox outfielder, was hit in the face by a pitch in 1967, injuring his eye and ultimately shortening his career. He passed away in 1990 at the age of 45.