MINNEAPOLIS -- Hall of Famer Rod Carew will add another honor to his lengthy list of accomplishments, as he's set to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the inaugural Minnesota Sports Awards on Dec. 13 at Target Center.
Carew, an 18-time All-Star and seven-time batting champion, is the first to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, which is one of six awards as part of a celebration of the best of sports in Minnesota.
Carew, 72, has been making a successful recovery from a massive heart attack suffered on Sept. 20, 2015, receiving a heart and kidney transplants on Dec. 15, 2016. He flew to Minnesota for the first time since the operation in early July, and he has stayed busy with his Heart of 29 Campaign to raise heart health awareness.
"Rod Carew is the epitome of a Minnesota sports legend. He's a seven-time American League batting champion with a lifetime .328 batting average, more than 3,000 hits and is a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame," executive director of Sports Minneapolis Melvin Tennant said in a statement. "He is also beloved by baseball fans and is generous with his time and talents -- particularly with the Heart of 29 Campaign, which helps to raise money and awareness for the prevention of heart disease. We are thrilled Rod will be the first recipient of our Lifetime Achievement Award."
Twins Hall of Famer Tony Oliva is also set to be at the awards show. He and Carew were roommates on the road during their time together in Minnesota from 1967-76. Twins first baseman and St. Paul native Joe Mauer as well as former Twins first baseman Justin Morneau are also scheduled at attend.
The other awards are High School Athlete of the Year, Collegiate Athlete of the Year, Professional Athlete of the Year, Courage Award and the Minnesota Sports Moment of the Year. It'll air on Fox Sports North on Dec. 28.