Abreu, another Gold Glove and charity golf
I just got into Arizona to host a charity golf event, and I figured it was a good time to catch up.
First off, I want to say I’m really happy we signed my buddy Bobby Abreu to come back and play for the Angels. I’ll get to pick his brain some more now. Bobby’s so smart, and so valuable. He can hit in a lot of places in the lineup, and he’s a great leader, sharing all his knowledge and wisdom. He also cracks everybody up with his sense of humor, and you need that over a long season.
I spoke with Chone Figgins a few days ago, but we didn’t talk about his free agency situation. I know he’ll do what’s right for him and his family. Chone’s a smart guy. I was eating some red beans and rice, and he said he was hungry. That guy loves his red beans and rice.
I got word today that I won my ninth straight Rawlings Gold Glove, and that’s always a thrill. What makes it so meaningful is that it’s voted on by the managers and coaches, the men who know what’s really going on out there. Much respect from them is important to me, because they recognize all the things that go into being a good defensive player, like hitting the cutoff man, throwing to the right base, backing up guys along with making all the routine plays – and some spectacular ones.
I was disappointed my teammates, Figgy and Erick Aybar, didn’t win their first Gold Gloves. Both those guys were deserving. They worked so hard and had tremendous seasons, defensively and offensively. Those are two of the premier athletes in the game, with great speed and quickness and strong arms. Their time will come.
I thought I was having my best season when I injured my groin running into walls first at Dodger Stadium and then in San Francisco. Missing all those games, 32, that really hurt. When I came back, my groin was sore for another month or so, but I’m not second-guessing what I did. I play the game all out. You can’t worry about getting hurt.
I’m really looking forward to staying healthy next season and putting up some good numbers and helping us to get to our ultimate goal this time, the World Series. We were so close . . . but the Yankees beat us fair and square in the ALCS, and they showed how good they were winning the World Series.
I like to relax as much as I can after a long season, but there are things to take care of, too. The Torii Hunter Celebrity Golf Classic I’m hosting will benefit schools and kids in need the next two days at the Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino.
Justin Upton of the Diamondbacks and his brother, B.J., of the Rays also are here helping out, and we’ve got a lot of big names showing up. Benefits will go to The Torii Hunter Project, The Heart of a Champion Foundation, Teleos Preparatory Academy in Phoenix and Sacaton Middle School on the Gila River Indian Reservation.
Tonight we have a gourmet dinner and a performance by Brian McKnight, a great recording artist. On Wednesday, we’ll have an exclusive pre-round golf clinic hosted by former PGA Tour professionals and golf TV analysts Gary McCord and David Feherty. Golfers, sponsors and some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment will then hit the course for a round of golf at The Whirlwind Golf Club at Wild Horse Pass.
Tonight’s emcee is Harold Reynolds, the former second baseman now doing TV commentary. We’re looking forward to having some of my teammates – Joe Saunders, Howard Kendrick, Jason Bulger, Mike Napoli and Scott Kazmir – along with my old buddy David Ortiz, Dustin Pedroia, Darryl Strawberry, Nick Swisher, Derrek Lee, Tony Clark, Eddie Murray, Chris Young, Don Baylor, Kenny Lofton, Mark Grace and many others.
If you want to know more about the Torii Hunter Celebrity Golf Classic or to purchase tickets, call (480) 245-7177 or visit www.toriihunter.com.
I hope all my fans and fans everywhere have a great offseason. I’ll stay in touch now and then. Take good care of yourselves and your families.
Torii's Storiis 
Congratulations on your 9th Gold Glove award you absolutely deserve it.
Enjoy your time off with your friends and family and I’m looking forward to the 2010 season.
Torii, Congratulations on your gold glove! Thanks for checking in on your blog. My family is missing the Angels so much and still reeling from that ALCS. It means alot to the kids that you check in. So thanks and enjoy the off season and we’ll see you in the spring, we can’t wait. We’re hoping to see all our guys back next year, don’t think i could stand to see any of them in a different uniform. Thanks the Kroeger family
Torii, Congratulations on your gold glove! Thanks for checking in on your blog. My family is missing the Angels so much and still reeling from that ALCS. It means alot to the kids that you check in. So thanks and enjoy the off season and we’ll see you in the spring, we can’t wait. We’re hoping to see all our guys back next year, don’t think i could stand to see any of them in a different uniform. Thanks the Kroeger family
Tori,
Congratulations!! You truly deserved winning your ninth Gold Glove Award. You are an inspiration to so many young kids out there. Please don’t change!! You love the game and it shows!
Can’t wait until 2010. I have a son who is playing college baseball in So. Cal and his love and passion for playing baseball comes from role models like you that inspire him even more.
Keep up the good work!!!
Take care and have a wonderful off-season!
The Smith Family
Tori,
Congratulations!! You truly deserved winning your ninth Gold Glove Award. You are an inspiration to so many young kids out there. Please don’t change!! You love the game and it shows!
Can’t wait until 2010. I have a son who is playing college baseball in So. Cal and his love and passion for playing baseball comes from role models like you that inspire him even more.
Keep up the good work!!!
Take care and have a wonderful off-season!
The Smith Family
Congrats to you Torii and to all the gold glove winners this year! Looking forward to Angels baseball. Enjoy reading your blogs. Love your infectious smile and the way you “bring it” on the field. Take care and enjoy the off-season.
Claudia
Congrats Torii!! You deserve it so much. Glad Abreu is coming back to LA. He was a great player for the Angels this past season. Have fun at the golf charity and have a great offseason!! Can’t wait for next year!!
-Holly
http://irishsoxkid19.mlblogs.com
Torii, Congratulations to you!! You worked very hard and you inspired so many of your fans with your passion. Stay healthy and take the time to enjoy the life that you made for yourself and your family. I’m sure your family is thrilled to have so much time with you. Have a wonderful holiday season. My best to you and your family. Be Well
Torii, I think what you are doing with your charity is wonderful!!!! I’m involved in helping women of domestic violence and just yesturday I delivered a bag of stuffed animals to one of the Tubman shelter here in Minnesota. You should have seen the joy on their faces when I gave the bag to them. It is such a blessing from God when someone can give to someone who is less fortunate. Take care of yourself and that family of yours this offseason Torii, and go after that ring next season. Blessing, Pam
Mr Hunter,
Add a Branch Rickey and a Silver Slugger to the mantel!!Congrats on everything Mr Hunter you deserve them all! I know you hear this a lot but I’m so glad that we have you on the team. You mean everything to the fans 🙂
I hope you have a great offseason with your fam and see you soon next year!