Mel Rojas Jr. receives inaugural Manny Mota Award

Outfielder Mel Rojas Jr. has been honored with the inaugural Manny Mota Award, a distinction established by the Tigres del Licey. The award recognizes players who embody ethical, sporting, and human values both on and off the field, honoring the legacy of Manny Mota.

The presentation took place during the team's introduction for the 2026-2027 Dominican Winter League season. The award was conceived by Miguel Ángel Fernández and team captain Emilio Bonifacio to highlight leadership and community contribution beyond mere statistics.

Rojas Jr., an Indianapolis-born player with a significant international career, previously earned the KBO League MVP in South Korea. He joins a veteran core at Licey that includes players like Emilio Bonifacio and César Valdez as the team prepares for the upcoming season following a 21-29 campaign.