The winner of the Roberto Clemente Award was announced this afternoon.
This award is given annually to a player who best represents the spirit of baseball through humanitarian and charitable means and was named after Roberto Clemente himself after his death.
This year’s recipient is none other than Los Angeles Dodgers star Justin Turner.
The 37-year-old is the third member of the Dodgers to win the award, joining Steve Garvey (1981) and Clayton Kershaw (2012).
Turner and his wife Kourtney founded the Justin Turner Foundation in 2016.
Their mission has been to provide support for veterans who have fallen into homelessness, children and families battling life-altering diseases and illnesses, and youth baseball organizations.
Your 2022 Roberto Clemente Award recipient is Justin Turner.
His unwavering effort and tireless commitment to community continues to change lives throughout Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/SinKhN37zU
— MLB (@MLB) October 31, 2022
Turner Named Clemente Award Winner
Turner has been a crucial part of the Dodgers since joining them back in 2014.
This season, he hit .278 with 13 home runs and 81 RBI and posted an OPS of .788.
But it’s his work off the field that has earned him this year’s Roberto Clemente Award.
Turner has been a key voice in the Los Angeles community ever since his arrival as he and his wife have put forth their efforts in helping youth sports programs, veterans, and children battling critical illnesses.
The award itself is determined by the commissioner, Clemente’s children, former players, and fans.
The fans have spoken clearly and have voted Turner is this year’s recipient.
Turner will be a free agent at the end of the World Series, but his charitable efforts in the Los Angeles community have left a lasting impact on the city and its people.
NEXT: The Dodgers May Be Dealing With A Serious October Problem