MLB announced Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter Nelson Cruz the winner of the 2021 Roberto Clemente Award, which 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.
Cruz was presented with the award at Minute Maid Park before Game 2 of the World Series. He was accompanied at the press conference by Clemente’s son, Luis, and MLB commissioner Rob Manfred.
“Luis, your dad, your foundation, his foundation, it has been so much important for us Latin players, and me, my family, my foundation, we’re really, really happy,” Cruz said. “It’s been a blessed day with the news to win the Roberto Clemente Award because so many players out there, they also do an incredible job.
“Like I said in the past, we understand that Roberto was the one who guided everybody, this is the way. Because of him, it seems like every player tries to do the same thing. I remember my first few years in the big leagues, I always see Michael Jordan doing the stuff, and that was one of the things I would say I want to do that one day.
“But growing up, my dad and my mom, they always involve events for the community, try to get the community better. Whatever it takes, whatever the needs, they find a way. Even today, they’re really involved in the community. That was an example that I followed to do the work that I do right now. So from the bottom of my heart, my family, my foundation, thanks everybody.”
Although Cruz finished the 2021 season with the Rays, his nomination for the Roberto Clemente Award came on behalf of the Minnesota Twins for a second straight year. Cruz is the fourth Twins player to win the award, joining Hall of Famers Rod Carew (1977), Dave Winfield (1994) and Kirby Puckett (1996).
Cruz’s off-the-field efforts are focused on empowering people in situations of social and economic vulnerability, and using sports and education to help kids reach their potential and improve their quality of life.
“There is no one more deserving of this tremendous honor than Nelson Cruz,” Twins president and CEO Dave St. Peter said in a statement.
“His dedication to uplifting those around him is unmatched, and we are in awe of all he has accomplished on and off the field. From Twins Territory to the Dominican Republic, Nelson’s commitment to community continues to make significant impact across the globe.”
Turner was Dodgers’ nominee for Roberto Clemente Award
Each team nominates one player each year to be considered for the award and the winner is decided by a blue ribbon panel consisting of Manfred, representatives of MLB-affiliated networks, and the children of Roberto Clemente.
Justin Turner was nominated as the Los Angeles Dodgers representative and was humbled to be the nominee.
“It’s obviously something that’s really special to myself and my wife Kourtney,” Turner said after being nominated.
“Something we take a lot of pride in is giving back to our community, helping people who are less fortunate, people in need, helping people get up after getting knocked down, get back on their feet.
“To be named the nominee on this team, with a lot of guys who do great things in our community, is obviously pretty special and something we don’t take for granted.”
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