These nominees embodied Clemente’s spirit on and off the field in 2025
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The Roberto Clemente Award is bestowed annually to the player who best represents the game of Baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field
As every year around this time, Major League Baseball shines a spotlight on those who make a difference off the field. The Roberto Clemente Award, named for the Hall of Famer who gave not only his athletic talents but his life in service to others, recognizes a player from each team who best exemplifies character, community involvement, philanthropy, and sportsmanship.
Here are some of the 2025 nominees who have emerged as front-runners, along with what they’ve been doing to earn this special distinction:
Top Nominees & Their Contributions
| Player | Team | Highlights of Their Off-Field Work |
|---|---|---|
| Spencer Strider (Braves) | Atlanta Braves | Strider, along with his wife Maggie, has made major contributions to the foster care community. Their “Foster Family Fridays” program with the Braves Foundation and Georgia Kids Belong gives foster families VIP experiences on gamedays. They’ve also been regulars at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, bringing teammates and joy to young patients. |
| Brendan Donovan (Cardinals) | St. Louis Cardinals | Donovan has been active in various causes: youth programs like “Donovan’s Dugout,” veterans’ support via The Kaufman Fund and Team Red, White & Blue, plus mental health advocacy and involvement with Make-A-Wish events. |
| Lawrence Butler | Oakland Athletics | This is Butler’s first nomination. He founded the L4W Foundation, which focuses on helping under-represented urban youth with financial education, elite baseball training, and mentorship. He’s also participated in local community events (like games and hospital visits) and with MLB’s Dream Series. |
| Josh Hader | Houston Astros | Despite currently being on the injured list, Hader was chosen by the Astros as their nominee. His work includes wearing the Roberto Clemente number 21 on “Clemente Day” and involvement in local charitable endeavors. |
What the Award Means
The Roberto Clemente Award is more than an accolade—it’s a reminder of the power and responsibility that comes with being a professional athlete. When Roberto Clemente tragically died on December 31, 1972, in a plane crash while delivering relief aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua, he left behind a legacy of compassion, service, and excellence. MLB renamed its Commissioner’s Award in his honor in 1973 to ensure that players who follow in his footsteps are recognized.
Each MLB team nominates one player per year, and then a final honoree is selected from the pool. Fans can also vote, usually up to late September, via mlbtogether.com.
What to Watch
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Fan Voting: It’s not just the internal metrics. The public has a voice. Fan voting often helps sway the decision or shine added attention on nominees.
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Impact over visibility: Usually, the winner is someone whose charitable work is substantial, sustained, and community-focused, even if they’re not among the biggest stars on the field.
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Final Announcement: The winner is typically announced during the World Series.
Final Thoughts
This year’s nominees reflect a broad cross-section of MLB: young rising stars, established veterans, pitchers and position players, all committed to bettering their communities. It’s a powerful reminder that influence doesn’t stop at the dugout—it extends far into the neighborhoods and lives that players touch.
As the voting window narrows, fans have the opportunity to recognize and uplift those who are making meaningful change. Whoever wins, the true value is in the example set by all the nominees.
Voting is now open and ends Sept. 28
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