Every year, each MLB Club nominates a player to be considered for the Award in tribute to Clemente's achievements and character.
Schwarber has done extensive work throughout the Philadelphia community and beyond, in particular through his 'Schwarber's Neighborhood Heroes' organization where he brings awareness to the needs of first responders and their families.
"I grew up in a first responder family in a small town in Ohio," Schwarber says on his organization's website. "My father, mother and sister all served. Being around the first responder community made me who I am today. I would hang around the police department with my Dad as a kid and always thought I might be a police officer. Being part of that special family of first responders made me want to give back. I know how fortunate I am to be able to play baseball. This platform allows me to say thanks to police, fire and military families for the sacrifices they make for us.
"I started Schwarber's Neighborhood Heroes with my wife Paige to help first responder families move forward in whatever journey they are on. I want to try my hardest to make a positive impact on the lives of these everyday heroes and their families. Whether it's a positive memory, support for wellness, education or a crisis, Schwarber's Neighborhood Heroes will be there for you when you need us."
As part of the annual program, each MLB Club nominates one player to be considered for the league-wide Award in tribute to Clemente’s achievements and character. This list of nominees features players whose various community and philanthropic activities have focused on important causes such as supporting underserved children & communities in the United States and around the world, supporting those with cancer and other illnesses, supporting educational programs, environmental advocacy, and more
The league-wide winner of the Roberto Clemente Award will be honored at the 2023 World Series following selection by a blue-ribbon panel. This panel includes representatives from the Commissioner’s Office, Capital One, MLB-affiliated networks (MLB Network, FOX Sports, ESPN and TBS), MLB.com, the National Baseball Hall of Fame, as well as Roberto’s children, Enrique, Luis and Roberto Clemente, Jr. Beginning today, fans can vote for the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One via MLBTogether.com/clemente21 (in both English and Spanish). The site, which will feature bios of each of the nominees, will allow fans to vote until the end of the season on Sunday, October 1st. The winner of the fan vote will count as one vote among those cast by the blue-ribbon panel.
The concept of honoring Major League players for their philanthropic work was created in 1971 as the “Commissioner’s Award.” The recognition was renamed to the “Roberto Clemente Award” in 1973 in tribute to Clemente following his passing.
