David Ortiz's positive contributions and positive attitude on and off the field are being recognized this season, as the Red Sox slugger has been named as the club's finalist for this year's Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet.
Ortiz is one of 30 club finalists for the award, which recognizes a Major League Baseball player who best represents the game of baseball through positive contributions on and off the field, including sportsmanship and community involvement.
Ortiz has long been committed to helping children in need of medical care through hospital visits, fundraisers and personal donations. He set up the David Ortiz Children's Fund (DOCF) in partnership with the International Hospital for Children in order to help children in the Dominican Republic receive access to pediatric critical care. The charity later extended into the New England area through a partnership with Massachusetts General Hospital for Children.
"I am honored to have been chosen as the Red Sox nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award," said Ortiz. "I look forward to continuing to help even more children receive the medical care they need through my charity."
Wednesday marks the tenth annual Roberto Clemente Day, which was established by Major League Baseball to honor Clemente's legacy and officially recognize club nominees for the award.
Tim Wakefield was the Sox' nominee in 2010 and later received the award. Ortiz will be honored during a pregame ceremony at Fenway on Wednesday.
