New York Mets outfielder Curtis Granderson was named the winner of the 2016 Roberto Clemente Award prior to Game 3 of the World Series between the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians. Granderson was selected from a list of nominees, one from from each club, by a panel, and fan voting on social media was incorporated for the first time.
Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen was the recipient last season. The award is presented annually to the player who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.
Being presented with the award at Wrigley Field held special meaning for Granderson, who is a Chicago native. In 2012, Granderson made a $5 million donation toward the construction of an indoor/outdoor baseball complex at his alma mater, University of Illinois at Chicago.
What’s more, the veteran outfielder organizes baseball clinics in Chicago, Florida and New York, not only teaching the sport to young children, but also stressing the importance of hard work, dedication and leadership.
Granderson founded the Grand Kids Foundation in 2007, which aims to aid youth development via education, physical fitness. Granderson was nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award in 2007, but did not win.
The Los Angeles Dodgers were represented by Adrian Gonzalez this year — the fifth time he’s been a team’s nominee, with three (previously 2013 and 2015) coming during Gonzalez’s tenure with the Dodgers.
Clayton Kershaw was the Dodgers’ representative in 2014, and also 2012 when he became the youngest player to take home the award at 24 years old. Steve Garvey (1981) is the only other Dodgers player to ever win the prestigious prize.
