KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City Royals superstar shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. is being honored for his extraordinary efforts off the field, earning his first Roberto Clemente Award nomination on Monday.
Witt Jr. looks to make it back-to-back Clemente Award wins for the Royals after Major League Baseball crowned Salvador Perez with the honor in 2024.
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On the diamond, Witt Jr. has already earned acclaim as one of baseball’s best players, posting the first-ever back-to-back 30 home run, 30 stolen base seasons for a shortstop.
Off the field, the Royals say Witt Jr. is a community leader in hosting youth camps for children facing challenges with critical illness or the loss of a parent, he’s worked with organizations that promote awareness in the fight against ALS, and he’s MLB’s first PLAY BALL ambassador.
“Baseball players at all levels know Roberto Clemente’s impact, and it’s an honor to be a small piece of carrying that forward,” Witt Jr. said in a news release.
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“I am grateful to have a platform through the Royals and baseball to help others, and I hope to live up to that responsibility.”
The Royals release also touts Witt Jr.’s work to improve literacy rates through a program that reached 3,000 students last year, and combatting stress through the “Bobby Breath,” which you’ll often see during a game where steps out of the batter’s box to take a deep breath to clear his mind and refocus.
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“Everyone sees Bobby’s talent on the field, but we also know he is selfless, conscientious and intentional about making the world around him better,” Royals Chairman and CEO, John Sherman, said in the release.
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“Watching him grow into one of Kansas City’s most beloved ambassadors has been extremely gratifying.”
MLB has recognized players for their philanthropy since 1971, first known as the “Commissioner’s Award,” before changing to honor Clemente in 1973, who died tragically died while delivering earthquake relief supplies in Nicaragua on New Year’s Eve in 1972.
This year’s winner will be honored during the 2025 World Series, and you can help Witt Jr.’s nomination by voting through September 28.
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