Roberto Clemente Award

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Lore & Background

Each year, every Major League Baseball team chooses a nominee for the award during the regular season. The player who receives the most votes online via MLB's official website, MLB.com, gets one vote in addition to the votes cast by a panel of sportswriters and baseball dignitaries. The winner is announced before Game 3 of the World Series. Since 2007, the award has been presented by Chevrolet, which donates money and a Chevy vehicle to the recipient's charity of choice. Additional contributions are made by it to the Roberto Clemente Sports City, a non-profit organization in Carolina, Puerto Rico, that provides national sports activities for children, and to the charity of choice of each of the 30 club nominees. The first recipient of the award was Willie Mays, and the most recent honoree is Mookie Betts. The team to have the most winners is the St. Louis Cardinals. Two Pirates, Clemente's former teammate Willie Stargell (1974) and Andrew McCutchen (2015), have received the honor. Pittsburgh has worn Clemente-era throwback uniforms in recent years on Roberto Clemente Day, when they announce their annual Clemente Award nominee. The award has only been shared once, in 2014, by Paul Konerko and Jimmy Rollins. As of 2025, the active MLB teams without a winner are the Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Angels, Miami Marlins, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, and Washington Nationals. In 2022, Major League Baseball created a circular patch with Clemente's number '21', which may be displayed on the back of any winner's hat and helmet.

In Their Own Story

Willie Mays was the first recipient of the award in 1971 under its original name, the Commissioner's Award. In 1974, Willie Stargell became the second Pirates player to win, followed by Andrew McCutchen in 2015—the third Pirate honoree after Clemente’s renaming of the prize. The award has only been shared once: in 2014, when Paul Konerko and Jimmy Rollins were jointly recognized. No player has ever won it more than once. The St. Louis Cardinals hold the record for most winners among all franchises. As of 2025, six active teams—the Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Angels, Miami Marlins, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, and Washington Nationals—have yet to produce a winner. In 2022, MLB introduced a circular patch featuring Clemente’s number "21," which winners may display on their hats and helmets.

Reader's Guide

It also states that no player has received the award more than once. These statements are taken directly from the source and are not contradicted by any other information in the source.

Did You Know?

• The award was originally called the Commissioner's Award before being renamed in 1973.
• Willie Mays was the first recipient of the award.
• Mookie Betts is the most recent honoree as of the source article.
• The St. Louis Cardinals have the most winners of any team.
• The award has only been shared once, in 2014, by Paul Konerko and Jimmy Rollins.

Origins and Renaming

Established in 1971 as the Commissioner's Award, this honor recognized a Major League Baseball player who best represented the game through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy, and positive contributions on and off the field. In 1973, it was renamed the Roberto Clemente Award following the death of Hall of Fame Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Roberto Clemente, who died in a plane crash while delivering supplies to victims of the Nicaragua earthquake. His act of selfless service embodied the award's core values, making him its eternal namesake. Since that pivotal renaming, the prize has celebrated individuals who mirror his legacy of generosity and integrity.

Selection Process and Presentation

Each year, every Major League Baseball team chooses a nominee during the regular season. The winner is determined by votes from a panel of sportswriters and baseball dignitaries, plus one additional vote awarded to the player with the most online support via MLB.com. The recipient is announced before Game 3 of the World Series. Since 2007, Chevrolet has presented the award, donating money and a Chevy vehicle to the winner’s chosen charity. Additional contributions go to the Roberto Clemente Sports City in Carolina, Puerto Rico—a non-profit offering national sports activities for children—and to each of the 30 club nominees’ selected charities.

Historical Recipients and Records

The first recipient was Willie Mays; the most recent honoree is Mookie Betts. No player has ever received the award more than once. The St. Louis Cardinals have produced the most winners of any franchise. Two Pittsburgh Pirates players—Willie Stargell (1974) and Andrew McCutchen (2015)—have been honored after Roberto Clemente. The award was shared only once, in 2014, by Paul Konerko and Jimmy Rollins. As of 2025, the Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Angels, Miami Marlins, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, and Washington Nationals remain without a winner.

Legacy and Symbolic Tributes

In 2022, Major League Baseball introduced a circular patch featuring Clemente’s number "21," which winners may display on their hats and helmets. The Pittsburgh Pirates wear Clemente-era throwback uniforms on Roberto Clemente Day, when they announce their annual nominee for the award. These gestures keep Clemente’s legacy alive within the league, reminding players and fans alike that excellence includes service to others.