Chevrolet Presents the Roberto Clemente Awards, Honoring MLB Players Active in Communities

In the 1960s there was a baseball player from Carolina, Puerto Rico, making his name in the major leagues. Roberto Clemente, the legendary Pittsburgh Pirate, helped his team win both the National League pennant and the World Series. While his baseball stats gave him notoriety, it was Clemente’s humanitarian efforts that built his legacy, and he continues to inspire MLB players to this day.

“Roberto Clemente is an all-time, legendary baseball player, but it is what he stood for and accomplished off the field that truly made him a hero. Major League Baseball is proud that players are following in his footsteps and is honored to preserve his legacy of making a difference in the world through this special award,” says Baseball Commissioner Allen H. Selig.

While trying to deliver desperately needed supplies to Nicaraguan earthquake victims in 1972, Clemente lost his life tragically. His spirit of service lives on with his award that is given annually to exceptional MLB players. Every year, 30 players from the American and National Leagues are nominated by their respective teams for the award. These athletes spend their spare time making their communities and, in some cases, the world a better place. Chevrolet has become a proud part of this tradition, sponsoring the Roberto Clemente Award for the past five years.

“I commend them for the impact they have made. I thank Chevrolet for their continued support,” says Selig.

“Chevrolet celebrates the commitment these nominees have made to their communities,” says Chris Perry, U.S. Vice President of Marketing for Chevrolet. Adding that it is a commitment shared by Chevy, as with their nationwide Youth Baseball programs.” Perry says,  “[We] hope to create the next generation of players and community leaders.”

If you want to be a part of the effort, visit www.chevybaseball.com/clemente and cast your vote for Roberto Clemente Award. Not only will you be showing a player that you support their efforts, but you could even win a trip to the World Series. How’s that for good deeds being their own reward?