It's not quite as impressive as a World Series ring, but San Francisco Giants' infielder Pablo Sandoval received an award, a special coin, and an official patch from the FBI Friday for his role in a child protection program. Sandoval -- nicknamed Kung Fu Panda -- is especially popular with the Giants' younger fans.

The agency honored Sandoval for his role in promoting child ID kits. The kits include a fingerprint identification card and cotton swabs for parents to take samples of their children's DNA. The prints and samples can save investigators valuable time when they are searching for a missing child. The kit takes about five minutes to complete, according to the FBI.

“I thank the FBI for letting me join this program,” Sandoval said. “All the Giants support the kids. We do well on the field -- we do well outside too, helping people.”

A year ago, Sandoval's agent came to Kenny Hansmire, the FBI National ID program's executive director, to ask how he could help. Sandoval will take part in a variety of outreach efforts to publicize the program, including hosting “Pablo Sandoval Children ID Day” at AT&T Park, where fans will receive the kits.

“When you have somebody that's a world champion representing any program, it brings awareness and lets the community know what they're doing,” Hansmire said. “We're very, very grateful.”

Evan Wagstaff

Sandoval helps A.J., 7, place his fingerprint on an identification card

Sandoval posed for pictures, signed autographs, and helped six children at Friday's press event fill out the kits. Katherine Russell, the mother of seven-year-old A.J., said Sandoval's support for the campaign will encourage kids like hers to take part in the program.

“Pablo is his hero, he watches the Giants all the time,” Russell said. “This will make it something the kids want to do.”

Hansmire said other famous athletes have participated in the program, but said that the 24-year-old Sandoval will bring the attention the program needs.

“It really helps us when we have active players,” Hansmire said. “Heck, my daughter is 15 years old, she doesn't even know who Roger Staubach or Brett Favre are. You got to have that current superstar.”