Clayton Kershaw Nominated For 2014 Roberto Clemente Award

With the MLB season coming to a close, the Los Angeles Dodgers are focused on clinching a playoff spot and the NL West pennant. One of the reasons the Dodgers currently find themselves atop the division standings has been Clayton Kershaw and his dominant pitching.

For all the praise and accolades Kershaw has received for his on-field performance, he has been just as impressive off it. As a result, the Dodgers organization nominated Kershaw to be the team’s representative for the 2014 Roberto Clemente Award.

The award is given annually to a Major League player who best exemplifies baseball on and off the field. Kershaw won the award in 2012 and would be the first person to win it for a second time should be chosen as the recipient.

Recently, Kershaw hosted his second annual Ping Pong 4 Purpose charity event to raise funds for the non-profit he and his wife founded, Kershaw’s Challenge. Through the foundation, Kershaw has supported charities this year in Los Angeles, his hometown Dallas, as well as overseas in Zambia.

In addition to Kershaw’s Challenge, Kershaw has been active for the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation. He has shown a devotion to supporting children in need and has helped ensure Los Angeles students get a proper breakfast.

Kershaw finds great joy in being nominated for the award again:

When you think about the Roberto Clemente award, you think about the man first and to be associated with him is an amazing thing,” said Kershaw. “To be nominated again for such an award and to be mentioned in the same breath as Roberto Clemente is very special and something I don’t take for granted. I’m truly humbled and honored to be nominated again.”

Wednesday also marks MLB’s Roberto Clemente Day to honor the former All-Star who passed away while helping out Nicaraguan earthquake victims in 1972.
[divide] Clayton Kershaw’s Ping Pong 4 Purpose Charity Event