BTN News: The 2024 Roberto Clemente Award nominees have been announced, highlighting a group of extraordinary Major League Baseball (MLB) players who exemplify compassion, commitment, and community service. Among the nominees, seven Latino stars—Manny Machado, Francisco Lindor, Salvador Pérez, Jesús Luzardo, Freddy Peralta, Pablo López, and Marcus Stroman—lead the charge. Each has been recognized for their outstanding contributions both on and off the field, representing the heart and spirit of the game. These players, nominated by their respective teams, have dedicated themselves to improving their communities and inspiring change, embodying the values that the Roberto Clemente Award celebrates. Voting is now open on MLB.com, allowing fans to choose their favorite for one of the league’s most prestigious honors.
Meet the Latino Nominees Making a Difference
Manny Machado: Empowering Youth in San Diego
San Diego Padres star Manny Machado has been nominated for his tireless efforts in his community, particularly through the Peter Seidler Legacy Fund. Machado has been instrumental in the development of the San Diego Rescue Mission South County Lighthouse, a shelter providing trauma-informed care to the homeless. In collaboration with the Padres, Machado also created a program aimed at increasing school attendance rates in the San Diego Unified School District, demonstrating his dedication to the city’s youth and their future.
Francisco Lindor: Revitalizing Sports and Education in Puerto Rico
New York Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor is recognized for his commitment to his homeland, Puerto Rico. He has restored the sports program at his former elementary school and conducts baseball clinics while promoting health and wellness initiatives. Lindor’s work extends to a scholarship fund established at his university in Florida, and he has recently spearheaded efforts to provide free backpacks to local students and organized a cleanup of Wilderness Beach in Puerto Rico.
Salvador Pérez: Feeding Families and Funding Surgeries in Venezuela
Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Pérez has made a significant impact in his native Venezuela, distributing food and supplies to over 10,000 families annually. Additionally, Pérez has funded numerous surgeries for children with cleft palates and is an active member of Sarah’s Soldiers, a group raising funds to find a cure for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). His work illustrates a deep commitment to health and humanitarian causes.
More Latino Stars Dedicated to Change
Jesús Luzardo: Supporting Youth Baseball in Miami
Pitcher Jesús Luzardo, representing the Miami Marlins, has partnered with the Miami Marlins Foundation to host free baseball clinics for local youth and students from his high school, Marjory Stoneman Douglas. He also regularly visits a baseball program tailored for children with special needs and disabilities, showing his passion for inclusivity in sports.
Freddy Peralta: Championing Education for Latino Students
Milwaukee Brewers’ Freddy Peralta has focused on educational opportunities, co-creating a scholarship fund with other Latino players and the Brewers Community Foundation. This initiative has successfully raised over $150,000 to provide scholarships for Latino students, reflecting his dedication to uplifting future generations.
Pablo López: Advocating for Animal Welfare and Youth Empowerment in Minnesota
Pablo López, a pitcher for the Minnesota Twins, has introduced the Pablo Day initiative, offering special ticket packages for each of his starts, with proceeds benefiting local charities such as Ruff Start Rescue, Children’s Minnesota, and Project Success. His efforts support animal welfare and empower young people to reach their life goals.
Marcus Stroman: Elevating Youth Through the Height Doesn’t Measure Heart Foundation
Marcus Stroman, a nominee for the New York Yankees, founded the Height Doesn’t Measure Heart Foundation in 2018. The foundation has served nearly 1,000 young people, provided 300,000 meals, and awarded a $25,000 scholarship to two Bronx high school seniors. Stroman’s commitment to his community reflects his passion for education and social equity.
Full List of 2024 Roberto Clemente Award Nominees
The complete list of 2024 Roberto Clemente Award nominees includes players from every MLB team. Some notable nominees are Mike Trout (Angels), Mookie Betts (Dodgers), and Kyle Tucker (Astros). Each player is honored for their unique contributions to their communities, showcasing the widespread impact of baseball beyond the diamond.
Vote for Your Favorite Player
Voting for the Roberto Clemente Award is now open on MLB.com. Fans can cast their votes to support the player who they believe best exemplifies the spirit of Roberto Clemente—an icon who embodied service, compassion, and excellence in and out of the game.
Celebrating Baseball’s Philanthropic Spirit
The Roberto Clemente Award stands as one of MLB’s most esteemed honors, recognizing the player who demonstrates exceptional community involvement and charity work. These Latino nominees—Machado, Lindor, Pérez, Luzardo, Peralta, López, and Stroman—are powerful examples of athletes using their platform to create meaningful change. As the 2024 nominees vie for this distinguished accolade, their stories continue to inspire fans and communities worldwide.
Conclusion: Inspiring Change, One Player at a Time
The Roberto Clemente Award celebrates the powerful impact that MLB players can have off the field. In 2024, the Latino nominees are leading the charge, proving that the spirit of giving is alive and well in Major League Baseball. Don’t miss your chance to participate in this celebration of character and compassion by voting for your favorite nominee today!
