DAVID PRICE NAMED RAYS NOMINEE FOR THE 2012 ROBERTO CLEMENTE AWARD PRESENTED BY CHEVROLET

By on September 18, 2012

Last year, David Price working on his four hit, ten strike-out, no walk gem at the Trop against Toronto. (photo by Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE)

Beginning today, Fans Can Vote for the National Award Recipient on MLB.com/ClementeAward and Register for a Chance to Win a Trip to the 2012 World Series

Major League Baseball and Chevrolet, the official vehicle of Major League Baseball, today announced that David Price was named the Tampa Bay Rays 2012 nominee for the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet. Today marks the eleventh annual Roberto Clemente Day, which was established by Major League Baseball to honor Clemente’s legacy and to officially recognize local Club nominees of the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet. Price is one of the 30 Club finalists for the annual 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.

The Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet pays tribute to Clemente’s achievements and character by recognizing current players who truly understand the value of helping others. The Award is named for the 15-time MLB All-Star and Hall of Famer who died in a plane crash on New Year’s Eve 1972 while attempting to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua.

In 2008 Price started his own charitable foundation. Project One Four was founded by David to support programs and organizations that provide opportunities for youth to learn life skills in a safe and supportive environment. Project One Four supports programs and charities in the local Tampa Bay area as well as in his hometown of Nashville, Tenn. David holds an annual golf tournament, bowling event, and banquet to help raise the needed funds. Last year alone Project One Four donated backpacks, school supplies and laptops to children in need. He also made monetary donations to two different Boys and Girls Club locations totaling more than $13,000. For more information on Project One Four please visit www.project14.org.

As part of the Rays South St. Petersburg Neighborhood initiative, Price helped create the Dugout Club program in 2010 and has since recruited other players to expand the program. He sponsors two recreation centers in South St. Petersburg each summer and serves as a role model, teaching the kids about staying healthy, positive, involved and smart. He has provided T-shirts to the centers each year along with a $2,000 check, the “angel fund” to help with additional expenses.

In April, David also sponsored “David Price Bowl For Kids’ Sake” bowling event in Tampa to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters. During a month-long campaign, Price recruited fans to participate through his twitter feed @DavidPrice14, raising more than $22,000 for the charity. David also volunteers and has donated approximately $10,000 to the Miracle League of St. Petersburg. The Miracle League provides kids with disabilities the opportunity to play outdoors in a safe, fun-filled environment.

Chevrolet will donate $7,500 to a charity of Price’s choice during a pregame ceremony on Tuesday, September 18.

The distinguished list of past national Roberto Clemente Award recipients includes 14 members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame:
1971
Willie Mays+
1982
Ken Singleton
1993
Barry Larkin+
2004
Edgar Martinez
1972
Brooks Robinson+
1983
Cecil Cooper
1994
Dave Winfield+
2005
John Smoltz
1973
Al Kaline+
1984
Ron Guidry
1995
Ozzie Smith+
2006
Carlos Delgado
1974
Willie Stargell+
1985
Don Baylor
1996
Kirby Puckett+
2007
Craig Biggio
1975
Lou Brock+
1986
Garry Maddox
1997
Eric Davis
2008
Albert Pujols
1976
Pete Rose
1987
Rick Sutcliffe
1998
Sammy Sosa
2009
Derek Jeter
1977
Rod Carew+
1988
Dale Murphy
1999
Tony Gwynn+
2010
Tim Wakefield
1978
Greg Luzinski
1989
Gary Carter+
2000
Al Leiter
2011
David Ortiz
1979
Andre Thornton
1990
Dave Stewart
2001
Curt Schilling
1980
Phil Niekro+
1991
Harold Reynolds
2002
Jim Thome
1981
Steve Garvey
1992
Cal Ripken, Jr.+
2003
Jamie Moyer
+ Member of the Baseball Hall of Fame

Beginning today, fans are encouraged to participate in the process of selecting the national award recipient by visiting MLB.com/ClementeAward to vote for one of the 30 Club nominees. Participating fans will be automatically registered for a chance to win a trip to the 2012 World Series, where the national winner of the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet will be announced. Voting ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on Sunday, October 14th, and the winner of the fan poll will receive one vote among those cast by a selection panel.

All Clubs playing at home today will recognize their local nominees as part of Roberto Clemente Day ceremonies, while each visiting Club will honor their nominees before another September home game. As part of the league-wide celebration, the Roberto Clemente Day logo will appear on the bases and the official dugout lineup cards.

 

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