A star off the field, Betts earns Clemente Award nomination
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LOS ANGELES -- Over his 10-year career in the Majors, Dodgers superstar outfielder Mookie Betts has established himself as one of the faces of the league with his stellar play on the field.
But for Betts, his biggest impact will always be the one he makes off the field. With his extensive community work, Betts was honored as the Dodgers’ nominee for the 2024 Roberto Clemente Award, the most prestigious humanitarian honor.
The Roberto Clemente Award is given 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. Each MLB club nominates one player. For the Dodgers, Betts was an easy choice.
• VOTE NOW: 2024 Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One
“Community work and helping others has always been important to me,” Betts said. “I never look for recognition, because I feel like it’s a requirement for all of us to help others in need. I just try and be the best I can to everyone and hope that it’s meaningful. To be nominated and recognized for my commitment to the community and those around me is definitely an honor and leaves me encouraged to keep going.”
In 2021, Betts and his wife, Brianna, established the 50/50 Foundation. That year, shortly after starting the foundation, Betts partnered with the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation to help feed families in need in South Los Angeles. In ‘23, Betts personally handed out Thanksgiving meals to 1,500 families.
The Betts’ have also paid multiple visits to UCLA Children’s Hospital, creating the “Betts on Us Fund,” which helps families of pediatric patients in need of financial assistance gain access to health care support. Betts also made an impact in youth sports, creating “Team Mookie," an AAU basketball team, in his hometown of Nashville.
“It’s super special,” Betts said. “I always have [been wanting to give back to the community]. Even when I was a kid. There just weren’t many cameras around. Even now there’s a lot, but I don’t do it for the recognition.”
Justin Turner is the most recent Dodger to win the Roberto Clemente Award; he took home the honor in 2022. Clayton Kershaw was also recognized in ‘12. This year’s vote will be determined by the fans, who can vote here until Sunday, and a panel that includes Clemente’s three children.