Teams 
Jessica Piatt and Santiago Hernandez where selected as the 2009 recipients of the Monte Irvin Scholarship. The Rays honored both in a pregame presentation on June 13. Jessica was present to accept her award while Hernandez's mother accepted on his behalf. The Rays congratulate both on their outstanding accomplishments.
One of the finest African-American players in the years preceding integration, Monte Irvin fashioned a career of dual excellence in both the Negro Leagues and the Major Leagues. The well-spoken and dignified Irvin is a man of high character. He crossed the color line in 1949 and was a key contributor to two Giants pennant-winners, batting .458 in the 1951 World Series.
The Monte Irvin Scholarship, developed by the Tampa Bay Rays and the St. Petersburg Branch of the NAACP, was established to recognize and support the higher education for one outstanding minority high school male student and one outstanding minority high school female student residing in Pinellas County. Scholarship winners will be shining examples of academic excellence, strong character and commitment to community.
