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MINNESOTA TWINS
AGE: 28
POSITION: Pitcher
BIRTHPLACE: Tovar Merida, Venezuela
RESIDES: Tovar Merida, Venezuela
SCHOOL: Liceo Jose Nucete Sardi (Venezuela)
PERSONAL: Wife Yasmile, two daughters
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Johan Santana has brought two Cy Young Awards home to his native Venezuela,
but what he also brings back is help for his fellow citizens. His dedication to
Venezuela is why he is a national hero. Johan names his village of Tovar
Merida as his charity of choice. In 2006, he, with the help of the Minnesota
Twins and CH Robinson Worldwide, purchased and shipped a fire engine to his
hometown to provide for the public safety of his friends and neighbors. His
donation of the fire engine was part of a larger community festival where he
also purchased gifts for disadvantaged youth in his village. Johan established
a community ticket program called "Jo Jo's Niños," providing Twins game
tickets to thousands of economically disadvantaged youth from Minneapolis and
St. Paul. Since 2004, 15,000 kids have attended a Twins game free because of
his generous contributions. Johan spends countless hours signing autographs
at TwinsFest, helping raise more than $280,000 for the Twins Community Fund.
He has also participated in the Minnesota Twins Winter Caravan, spending four
days traveling the Upper Midwest to visit community groups and fans.
Last season, Johan Santana was selected to his second career All-Star team.
He finished the year ranking first in the American League in ERA (2.77),
innings pitched (233.2), strikeouts (245) and starts (34). His 19 wins tied him
for first in the league. He received all 28 first place votes for the Cy Young
Award, winning the prestigious honor for the second time in three years.
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