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David Corrente of Chatham, Ontario learned from an early age that helping others is an important thing in life because had no one been there to help him, he would not be pursuing his dream today.

“My parents were instrumental in recognizing the people who had helped you,” says Corrente.  “There are always people volunteering to help you.”

It is his spirit of volunteerism that has made the Toronto Blue Jays give him the team’s Community Service Award.

The catcher in the Blue Jays organization was an enthusiastic participant, spending countless hours in numerous activities, but for the 23-year-old the award was unexpected.

“It’s kind of funny because you don’t do community events to get an award, you give back because it’s the right thing to do,” says Corrente.

Among his volunteer duties, Corrente gave his time to the Boys and Girls club of Dunedin, Mease Manor Nursing Home, Armwood High School and the City of Dunedin.

The 6’2” and 210 lbs youngster took the time to teach kids the basic skills of baseball, speak to high school students and go on picnics with seniors.

In between all of his volunteering, Corrente also played baseball hitting .240 with 10 home runs and 32 RBI in 51 games between Class-A Dunedin and Triple-A Syracuse this season.

His on field skills earned him a roster spot on the Senior National Team that will be heading out to Taiwan in November for the World Cup of Baseball.

“It’s always a special thing to be asked to play for your country.  I’m very excited,” says Corrente.

This is not the first time that Corrente has been asked to dawn the Canadian colours for the Senior National Team.  He was a member of the team which was at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Cuba last year.  It was a learning experience for the young catcher as Canada finished fourth and thus qualified for a “wild card” Olympic qualifying tournament this spring, but he knows what to expect this time around at the World Cup and is confident that the team will do well.

“The talent in Canada is really starting to excel,” says Corrente,” and we’re hoping we can make a name for ourselves and get (momentum) into the (Olympic) qualifier and hopefully into the Olympics.”