The team nominated the third baseman for the 2009 Roberto Clemente Award, given to the Major League Baseball player who combines exceptional performance on the field with devoted work in the community and represents the spirit of baseball through sportmanship, community involvement and positive contributions to his team. Fans can help select a winner by logging on to http://www.chevy.com/celmente between Sept. 2 and Oct. 4.
Youkilis' Hits for Kids charity has raised nearly $2 million through charity events and programs over the past two years. This spring, it partnered with the March of Dimes and rasied over $20,000 to fun research to prevent premature childbirth. He also helped Raising a Reader Massachusetts raise over $125,000 to help provide low income families with resources meant to encourage early literacy. In addition, Youkilis purchases 10 tickets per month to one Red Sox home game and awards them to children from the area's non-profit organizations.
"Being a pro athlete in Boston, kids automatically look up to you," he said. "I try to tell them that you have to work to achieve your life's goals and on't let anyone tell you that you can't do something. You can do anything you put your mind to."
Youkilis will be recognized as this year's Red Sox nominee during a pregame ceremony on Sept. 8.
Sept. 2 marks the eighth annual Roberto Clemente Day, established by MLB to honor the legacy of a 12-time All-Star and Hall of Famer who was tragically killed in a plane crash on Dec. 31, 1972 en route to Nicaragua, where he was set to deliver supplies to earthquake victims.
