McCullers nominated for Clemente Award
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CLEVELAND -- Right-hander Lance McCullers Jr. is the Astros' nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, which recognizes players for community service.
McCullers and his wife, Kara, are passionate animal rights advocates and have participated in various community projects to save at-risk pets and place adoptions, in addition to many other charitable efforts.
Fans are encouraged to participate in the new process of selecting the winner of the Roberto Clemente Award by posting any nominee's voting hashtags to MLB's official social media accounts, @MLB on Twitter and Facebook.com/MLB. Voting is now underway, and McCullers' hashtag is #VoteMcCullers.
• Roberto Clemente Award
Major League Baseball announced the 30 club nominees on Tuesday for the annual recognition of a player who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field. Each club nominates one player to be considered for the Roberto Clemente Award in tribute to Clemente's achievements and character by recognizing current players who truly understand the value of helping others.
Wednesday marks the 15th annual Roberto Clemente Day, which was established by MLB to honor Clemente's legacy and to officially acknowledge local club nominees of the Roberto Clemente Award. Clubs playing at home on Wednesday will recognize their local nominees as part of Roberto Clemente Day ceremonies.
With the Astros on the road, McCullers will be honored in a pregame ceremony during the club's upcoming homestand.
As part of the league-wide celebration, the Roberto Clemente Day logo will appear on the bases and official dugout lineup cards and a special tribute video will be played in ballparks.
The original "Commissioner's Award" for philanthropic service was renamed in 1973 in honor of Clemente, the Hall of Famer and 15-time All-Star who died in a plane crash on New Year's Eve 1972 while attempting to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua.