Ahead of the World Series beginning, the MLB Players Association revealed New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia, Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout and Miami Marlins outfielder Curtis Granderson were voted finalists for the 2019 Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award.
It’s presented annually by the MLB Players Association to the person who exemplifies inspirational leadership on the field and in the community. In balloting for the Marvin Miller Award, players are asked to vote for who they believe “most respect based on his leadership on the field and in the community.”
Voting for the prestigious award was completed by MLB players by the middle of September. Clayton Kershaw (2014) is the lone Los Angeles Dodgers player to win the award. He was a finalist in 2017, and the Dodgers were represented by Justin Turner the year prior.
Though Kershaw hasn’t been able to add to his collection and Turner has remained shutout, the two regularly give back to the community through Kershaw’s Challenge and the Justin Turner Foundation, respectively.
Granderson is a three-time recipient of the Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award, including earning the honor last year. He founded the Grand Kids Foundation in 2007 to aid positive youth development through education, physical fitness and nutrition initiatives.
Sabathia, who is retiring after this season and unfortunately suffered a shoulder injury during Game 4 of the American League Championship Series, established the Pitcch In Foundation in 2008.
Sabathia’s foundation showcases three signature programs that provide youth with the tools to be successful in school and on the field: All-Star Baseball Clinic, Youth Backpack Program and Field Renovations.
Trout, whose 2019 season came to an early end because of a right foot injury that required a minor procedure, is not only regarded as the best player in baseball but one of the sport’s more charitable athletes as well.
Trout regularly visits hospitals, schools and charities in effort to brighten the lives of those who are less fortunate.
The winner of the Marvin Miller Man of the Year receives a $50,000 grant from the MLB Players Trust to direct to charities of their choice.
