Dodgers News: Clayton Kershaw Receives 2013 Branch Rickey Award

Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw has had quite the season on the field as he’s the sure-fire front runner to win the 2013 NL Cy Young award.

However, Kershaw has been just as active off the field as he’s created the “Kershaw’s Challenge” foundation, which has helped build an orphanage in Zambia. Kershaw and his wife Ellen, also wrote a book called Arise to also raise money and according to Dylan Hernandez of the LA Times, he’s been given a humanitarian award:

Clayton Kershaw wins another humanitarian award, named recipient of 2013 Branch Rickey Award.

— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) September 5, 2013

Last season, former Mets pitcher R.A. Dickey received the award and Kershaw is the first Dodger to win the award since Tommy Lasorda did in 2006.

This isn’t the first time Kershaw has received an award like this as he was given the 2012 Roberto Clemente award last year as the top humanitarian in baseball. Winning the award comes on the heels of Kershaw hosting a Ping-pong challenge at Dodger Stadium last week in an effort to raise money for his foundation.

The Branch Rickey award is named after the former Dodger player and executive who signed Jackie Robinson while breaking the color barrier in baseball.

While Kershaw’s season on the field has been nothing short of spectacular, his humanitarian efforts are something he’s definitely most proud of.

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In case you missed it, be sure to find out more about the Michael Young trade!

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