(By MATT PIKE)
Kansas City Royals catcher and captain Salvador Perez was honored with an award by the NAACP branch of Olathe, Overland Park, and Leawood, Kansas for his role being a leader and advocate in the sports world.
Perez was announced as the winner of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Diversity Advocate Award in Sports. Royals Executive Vice President and General Manager, J.J. Picollo, will accept the award on behalf of Perez as part of the 22nd annual Legacy and Scholarship Awards Dinner tonight at the Sheraton Overland Park.
“Martin Luther King, Jr.’s courage helped change the world and create opportunities for so many of us in sports and other pursuits,” said Perez in a news release from the Royals. “Receiving an honor with his name on it, wow, this is humbling and something I never could have imagined. His legacy is amazing and will last forever.”
Perez has played all 14 years of his Major League career in Kansas City, with nine All-Star appearances, five Rawlings Gold Glove Awards, five Louisville Slugger Silver Slugger Awards and a World Series MVP in 2015. In 2024. He was honored with the Roberto Clemente Award following the 2024 season, which is given to a Major League player who best represents the game of Baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.
“Salvador Perez represents how a person can become the leader of men and a hero to them, and a city, by treating everyone with respect, equality and showing them how to be a winner,” said Henry E. Lyons, the President of the NAACP representing Olathe, Overland Park and Leawood, Kan. “These are the same traits that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. possessed.”
The award recognizes sports figures who honor Martin Luther King, Jr.’s principles. Previous winners include Royals Chairman and CEO, John Sherman, and Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach, Andy Reid.
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