Top 10 Players Who Won the MLB Roberto Clemente Award
There have been 50 players awarded the MLB Roberto Clemente Award since 1971. It is the trophy that carries the largest sense of community, baseball spirit and humanity.
The award was named in honor of Roberto Clemente, and it was originally known as the Commissioner’s Award. They renamed the title after Clemente passed away in 1973. He was heroically trying to send supplies to the victims of the Nicaragua earthquake.
Although no one should have to die for a cause, this moment really cemented the ideals of the Commissioner’s award like no speech or film could – using your wealth and reach to help others is exactly what the Roberto Clemente Award is all about.
Looking through the list of outstanding people, we want to showcase the best players in the collection of 50. These people shattered World Series Odds as well as breaking down social barriers.
- David Ortiz – 2011
In no particular order, we start this list of amazing people with David Ortiz. The Red Sox player was awarded the Roberto Clemente award in 2011 after he spent a lot of his own money and time helping children receive care in both the US and the Dominican Republic. He set up pediatric hospitals and financially supports the David Ortiz Children’s Fund to help children who cannot afford the care they need.
- Derek Jeter – 2009
The Hall of Fame baseball player, Derek Jeter, received the Roberto Clemente award in 2009. The Yankees player was given the award for his years of contribution to the Turn 2 Foundation. This charity was created to help motivate young people into healthy lifestyles including playing baseball or other sports.
Jeter created the foundation to help children stay clear of drugs and alcohol.
- Craig Biggio – 2007
Biggio received his Roberto Clemente award in 2007 for his work with the Sunshine Kids Foundation. This charity was first created in 1982 and aimed to help children with cancer.
Although they have connections to research institutes, their main goal is to create positive activities to make outstanding memories for children who are terminally ill.
These activities are free of charge thanks to contributions from Biggio and others like him.
- John Smoltz – 2005
Smoltz was given the Roberto Clemente award for his contributions to his two charities set up with his wife Dyan Smoltz. They raised millions for the King’s Ridge Christian School and the John And Dyan Smoltz Foundation.
The private school didn’t really need a charity donation, and the foundation services to support Christian churches and schools.
As a Hall of Famer though, Smoltz has won almost every title you can think of including being the only pitcher to compile 200 wins and 150 saves.
- Edgar Martínez – 2004
Martínez received his Roberto Clemente award in 2004. Throughout this MLB career, the Hall of Fame star donated millions of dollars to various charities, which is why he was awarded the title.
The amazing player was known for his 0.579 batting average against Mariano Rivera and his 75% vote to enter the 2010 Baseball Hall of Fame.
- Jim Thome – 2002
Jim Thome was given the award in 2002 for his charity work to raise money and awareness about paralysis. His nephew Brandon Thome was part of a freak accident that created a spinal cord injury. With his spine injured, Brandon became paralyzed and unable to walk.
Thome had been donating to the Steve Palermo Chapter of the National Paralysis Foundation, to help find a cure for his nephew and find ways to make his life active again.
- Tony Gwynn – 1999
Gwynn was given the Roberto Clemente award not for one particular donation, but as a recognition of character. He also won the Branch Rickey award in 1995 and the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award in 1998, making him the “triple crown” winner of humanitarian awards.
- Kirby Puckett – 1996
Puckett, like Gwynn, didn’t have just one area of charity which made him a candidate for the Roberto Clemente award. Instead, he lived in a way that allowed respect, kindness, and helpfulness to brew.
Puckett was a well-respected person both on and off the field.
- Ozzie Smith – 1995
Smith’s motto was to live life in a small way, making little changes for the better. When he came into fame and fortune as a Hall of Fame baseball player, this attitude didn’t weaken. Instead, it only grew stronger.
He donated a lot of his time and money to help charities across the country.
- Nelson Cruz – 2021
Nelson Cruz is the most recent winner of the Roberto Clemente Award. He was nominated by the Minnesota Twins even though he was traded to the Rays. This shows that their ideas of Cruz’s charity work exceeded his connection to the team.
Cruz won the award due to his humanitarian efforts with the Dominican Republic, helping to feed over 700 families during the pandemic, and providing a whole town with more fire trucks and ambulances.
Summary
Each of these MLB players are heroes of baseball and heroes to humanity. They have all given their time and effort to help those in need.
