Major League Baseball announced prior to Game 2 of the World Series that Boston designated hitter David Ortiz has won the 2011 Roberto Clemente Award.
The award is given annually to the MLB player "who best represents the name of baseball through positive contributions on and off the field."
"David's remarkable commitment to helping children receive essential pediatric care in the United States and the Dominican Republic makes him a wonderful choice for the honor," MLB commissioner Bud Selig said. "The legacy of Roberto Clemente lives on through the selfless actions of players like David Ortiz and so many of his peers."
As Selig noted, Ortiz beat out nominees from the other 29 teams much for his work with children both here in Boston and his native country of the Dominican Republic.
The David Ortiz Children's Fund raised more than $1.5 million in 2010, and Ortiz donated more than $100,000 to the cause in 2011.
"I am incredibly honored to be the recipient of this year's award," Ortiz said. "It is humbling to be associated with all the tremendous names that have won this award in the past, and I look forward to continuing to do my part to maintain Roberto Clemente's legacy."
Vera Clemente, the widow of Roberto Clemente, also praised Ortiz for his continued work.
"He has been a deserving candidate for many years and I am very happy to see him win. The hands-on work he has done over the years and the money he has donated in Boston, Haiti and the Dominican Republic is a wonderful example of all players, and I know Roberto would have been very proud of this decision."
Ortiz gives the Red Sox back-to-back winners, as pitcher Tim Wakefield won the Roberto Clemente Award in 2010.
