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WASHINGTON -- It has been a wonderful whirlwind for Nationals
closer Chad Cordero. On Sunday, he was named to the National
League All-Star Team. Two days later, Cordero received National
League Pitcher of the Month honors for June. On Wednesday,
he was selected as the winner of "DHL Presents the Major League
Baseball Delivery Man of the Month Award" for June.
The officially-sanctioned Major League Baseball award, which
recognizes the most outstanding relief pitcher during each
month of the regular season, is part of a new sponsorship
agreement between Major League Baseball (MLB), Major League
Baseball Advanced Media (MLBAM) and DHL, the world's leading
express delivery and logistics company, which makes DHL the
"Official Express Delivery and Logistics Provider" of both
organizations.
Cordero was a perfect 15-for-15 in save opportunities in
June, tying a Major League Baseball record for saves in a
month. He didn't give up a run, struck out 14 batters in 16
1/3 innings and helped the Nationals finish the month with
an impressive 20-6 record.
Cordero currently leads the Major Leagues with 30 saves.
There is no secret to Cordero's success. He throws nothing
but fastballs, which are generally clocked in the high 80s
and low 90s. Cordero also has a slider and changeup, but he
seldom throws those pitches.
"It's kind of a weird thing for me. I'm just going right
at [hitters] with the fastball and letting them hit it. They
are going to get more outs than hits. I just rely on the fastball
and try to get ahead of them," Cordero said.
In recognition of this honor, DHL will donate $1,500 to
a local chapter of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, the official
charity of Major League Baseball, in Cordero's name.
The "DHL Presents the Major League Baseball Delivery Man
of the Month Award" winner is selected by a special panel
that includes Hall of Fame pitcher Dennis Eckersley; Darryl
Hamilton, former Major League outfielder and MLB Radio host;
Jerome Holtzman, the official MLB Historian and a member of
the writer's wing of the Hall of Fame; Rick Sutcliffe, 1984
NL Cy Young Award winner, ESPN and MLB International broadcaster;
and Bob Watson, vice president, on-field operations for Major
League Baseball.
Bill
Ladson
is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the
approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
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