MiLB exec Purpura wins Hemond Award

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Minor League Baseball Executive Vice President & COO Tim Purpura has been named the winner of the 10th annual Roland Hemond Award by the Arizona Fall League. The award is presented to recognize a baseball executive who has provided at least 15 years of outstanding service to professional baseball and who has served the Arizona Fall League in a key leadership capacity. Purpura will be presented with the award at the AFL Rising Stars Game on Saturday at Surprise Stadium.

"I am very humbled and deeply appreciative to be the recipient of an award that is named after Roland Hemond," Purpura said. "Like so many others in the game, Roland has been a mentor and friend to me throughout my baseball career. He has taught me a great deal about our great game and I sincerely appreciate the impact he has had on my life and my career.

"Growing up in Chicago and watching Roland perform his duties as the White Sox GM inspired me to pursue a career in baseball, and I am most fortunate to have had him guiding me through my career.

"I also want to thank Major League Baseball, the Arizona Fall League and Steve Cobb and his fine staff for honoring me in this way."

"Tim has long been a proponent of the Arizona Fall League," Minor League Baseball President Pat O'Conner stated. "From his days as a Farm Director and General Manager, he was always a strong supporter of the league and its purpose.

"Since joining our organization, Tim has continued to support the efforts there through our Professional Baseball Umpire Corp. We are all proud of Tim being named the AFL's 2010 Roland Hemond Award winner. He is very deserving of the honor."