Pitcher Darren Oliver has been selected as the recipient of the 2011 Jim Sundberg Community Achievement Award, it was announced today.
The award is presented annually to a member of the Rangers organization for outstanding service to the community. In 2011, Oliver partnered with the Bob Jones Nature Center and the Fort Worth ISD Fort Worth After School Program on Ollie’s Greening Up, an endeavor designed to promote environmental conservation.
The program provides an outdoor citizen-science and art experience for middle school and high school students from underserved communities. The students explore conservation issues involving birds, butterflies and their habitats while also creatively recording their observations and reflections. Oliver has hosted events for the program throughout the year, including several holiday functions.
In addition, Oliver has participated with the Volunteer Center of North Texas in the Martin Luther King Day of Service for the last two years and has donated his time and financial assistance for Family Gateway, a Dallas-based organization whose mission is helping homeless families become self-sufficient. .
Oliver, who became a free agent after the 2011 season, was 5-5 with a 2.29 ERA and two saves in 61 appearances for the Rangers this year.
Oliver will receive his award at the 2012 Texas Rangers Dr Pepper Awards Show on Thursday, January 12 at the Arlington Convention Center. This new event will include a number of award presentations to Rangers players and other baseball personalities as well as being a celebration of the 2011 American League champions. There will also be live entertainment and other special festivities.
The Dr Pepper Awards Show will be a theater-style seating event. Doors to the Arlington Convention Center will open at 6:30 p.m. and fans attending will be able to get a sneak peak of FanFest. Refreshments will also be served and are including in the ticket price. The Awards Show is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are priced at $75.00 each for Reserved Seating and $50.00 for General Admission and can be purchased at texasrangers.com or by calling 972-RANGERS.
