Moreland's off-field legacy impacted Boston

SAN DIEGO -- Mitch Moreland left a strong legacy on the field in Boston. The veteran first baseman won the 2018 World Series there, and he racked up 321 hits and 64 home runs across parts of four seasons with the Red Sox.

Moreland's off-field legacy was even more impactful.

Before Moreland was dealt to San Diego ahead of the Trade Deadline, he was named as Boston's nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, given annually to a player who demonstrates the values that Clemente displayed in his commitment to community.

"It's definitely special," Moreland said. "The later I've gotten into my career, the more I've tried to focus on both sides of it -- playing the game, but also trying to help in the community as well. ... It's definitely an honor and something that I'm very proud of."

Moreland is certainly deserving of the nomination, considering the time and money he's given to support Boston Children's Hospital, the Jimmy Fund and the Red Sox Foundation.

Moreland's most prominent contribution: He and his wife Susannah have organized "Christmas in July" every year -- a fundraiser for Boston Children's Hospital. The event typically collects donated toys at Fenway Park home games, which the Morelands deliver to the hospital while they spend time with patients.

This year, the COVID-19 pandemic put those plans on hold. But the Morelands nonetheless raised $22,000 for the cause (and matched donations up to $10,000, too).

"It's a special group," Moreland said of Boston Children's Hospital. "What they're able to do for those kids and the money they're able to raise teaming up with the Red Sox over there -- it's awesome to be a part of, to be honest with you.

"I hate that my time was cut short with them. Definitely happy to be out here, but as far as that goes and trying to do more for the kids and more for the hospitals is definitely something that was always important to us."

Moreland's impact in the Boston community wasn't limited to one event. He was selected as the Red Sox's Jimmy Fund captain, serving as an ambassador for the Jimmy Fund by spearheading fundraising efforts. Those efforts included the annual WEEI/NESN Jimmy Fund Radio-Telethon and a virtual bingo fundraiser, which raised more than $20,000 in May.

On top of his work with Boston Children's Hospital and the Jimmy Fund, Moreland supported a number of other causes, several of which were tied to the Red Sox Foundation. He only spent 3 1/2 years in Boston, but he built quite the resume of charitable work and donations.

"Obviously it's a huge baseball town," Moreland said. "So to be able to go out and give back, being a part of that community, have them welcome me, it was great. It was something that me and my wife are very proud of."