J 233: Honoring Francisco Miguel Lindor Serrano upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of his fourth Silver Slugger Award by Major League Baseball

 Senate Resolution No. 233 BY: Senator SEPULVEDA HONORING Francisco Miguel Lindor Serrano upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of his fourth Silver Slugger Award by Major League Baseball WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to those exemplary athletes and who excel in professional athletics, distinguishing themselves through notable achievements and representing this great Empire State with pride and determination; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Francisco Miguel Lindor Serrano upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of his fourth Silver Slugger Award by Major League Baseball; and WHEREAS, The Silver Slugger Award has been awarded annually since 1980 to the best offensive player at each position in both the American League and the National League, as determined by the coaches and managers of Major League Baseball; and WHEREAS, Francisco Lindor, affectionately nicknamed "Mr. Smile," is a Puerto Rican professional baseball shortstop for the New York Mets of Major League Baseball (MLB); and WHEREAS, Born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, on November 14, 1993, the third of four children of Miguel Angel Lindor and Maria Serrano, Francisco Lindor began playing baseball at a young age, assisted by his father, who would hit him ground balls from the top of a hill near their home; and WHEREAS, After moving with his family to Florida at the age of 12, Francisco Lindor attended Montverde Academy, a private college preparatory school; and WHEREAS, Francisco Lindor began his minor league professional career with the Short-Season A New York-Penn League Mahoning Valley Scrappers during the 2011 season; he went on to become the Cleveland Guardians' first-round selection, and eighth overall, in the 2011 Major League Baseball Draft; and WHEREAS, Lindor batted over .300 in both his first two major league seasons and provided elite defense; in 2016, he led the Guardians to a World Series appearance and earned his first All-Star selection and Gold Glove Award, becoming the first Puerto Rican shortstop to win the Gold Glove Award; and WHEREAS, Furthermore, he won his first Silver Slugger Award in 2017, and was selected to the 2017 All-WBC Team; and WHEREAS, Francisco Lindor was traded to the New York Mets following the 2020 season and later signed a 10-year, $341 million extension with the team; in 2023, he joined the 30-30 club, a most celebrated feat by those MLB players who have collected 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in a single season; and WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion provides a unique opportunity for this Legislative Body to honor Francisco Miguel Lindor Serrano for his extraordinary athletic accomplishments which are a tribute to his skill, dedication and commitment; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Francisco Miguel Lindor Serrano upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of his fourth Silver Slugger Award by Major League Baseball; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Francisco Miguel Lindor Serrano.