VIDEO: Nelson Cruz Accepts ESPYs Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award in Emotional Speech
By Jerry Trotta
The ESPYs proceeded as scheduled on Sunday night, albeit in virtual fashion, as co-hosts Russell Wilson, Megan Rapinoe and Sue Bird helped bring one of sports' most significant award shows to life amid the coronavirus pandemic. It was an understandably emotional night and Nelson Cruz embodied this when it was revealed that he won the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award for the exceptional charitable work he does in his native Dominican Republic. The Minnesota Twins slugger was all sorts of choked up during his acceptance speech.
Nelson Cruz (@ncboomstick23) got emotional accepting the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award.
— ESPN (@espn) June 22, 2020
(? @DoveMenCare) pic.twitter.com/Ol09cgBgm6
This is what the ESPYs are all about as Cruz's reaction tells you just how much this award meant to him. After all, most of his charity work is carried out in his hometown of Las Matas de Santa Cruz. According to ESPN, the six-time All-Star has helped fund a new police station and regularly flies in dentists and optometrists to ensure that all civilians are attended to.
We could not be prouder of @ncboomstick23 for his work on and off the field. Congratulations to the 2020 Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award recipient, Nelson Cruz! #ESPYS pic.twitter.com/s2WdkYBA6Q
— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) June 22, 2020
As a result of winning the award, Cruz’s charity will receive a $100,000 grant and you can bet that the 39-year-old vet will be eager to put it to good use.