Pillar recognized for his charitable work
Toronto Blue Jays centre-fielder Kevin Pillar learned some valuable lessons at Chaminade College Prep beyond math, science, history and geography.
“I went to a Catholic high school and community service was required. It was something that was taught to us, preached to us and was important to us,” said Pillar inside Yankee Stadium.
Pillar takes his community service seriously and that’s why he was thrilled to be nominated by the Jays for the Roberto Clemente Award, recognizing the player who best represents the game through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, on and off the field.
Since joining the Jays in 2013, the West Hills, Calif., native, along with his wife, Amanda, has been active in a number of good causes in the Toronto area, including the Jays Care Foundation, the Jays Winter Tour as well as some individual endeavours such as visiting hospitals.
“There’s a lot more my wife and I are planning on doing,” said Pillar, who has helped set up an MLB Action team at Chaminade as a resource to help students take part in good causes in the community.
When he was in high school, Pillar visited the homes of sick kids, worked in sports camps and an animal shelter as a volunteer.
It’s something he enjoys. Clemente won the NL MVP Award 50 years ago, finished his career with 3,000 hits, led Pittsburgh to a pair of World Series titles and earned 15 All-Star selections.
“To be associated with that name is special,” said Pillar. “He stood for great things and I think he’s more remembered for what he did off the field even though he was a Hall of Fame player.
“His impact to the community was something that was important to him and it’s something that’s important to me.”
AROUND THE DIAMOND
LHP Aaron Loup and RHP Bo Schultz (both relievers) arrived at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday after being recalled.....Manager John Gibbons said the rotation this weekend against the Boston Red Sox will be Marco Estrada on Friday, J.A. Happ on Saturday and Aaron Sanchez on Sunday. He also expects left-handed reliever Francisco Liriano to be fine for the weekend. Liriano, who pitched two excellent innings in relief against New York on Monday, was pulled after his back seized up. “He feels better,” said Gibbons.
GRILLED ABOUT GRILLI
It seems wherever the Jays go, Gibbons is asked about RHP Jason Grilli. He was asked about the 39-year-old again on Tuesday by the New York media. Since joining the Jays on May 31, Grilli has an ERA of 1.87 (heading into Tuesday’s game). “I don’t think any of us expected him to pitch as well as he has,” said Gibbons. “He’s been dynamite and really at the time — we didn’t pick up Joaquin Benoit until later — he really saved us in a lot of ways.”