Paul Sewald Named D-backs Nominee For 2024 Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One
The Arizona Diamondbacks have named Paul Sewald as their 2024 Roberto Clemente Award nominee. Sewald is now up for Major League Baseball’s prestigious Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One, given annually to one player who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy, and positive contributions, both on and off the field.
Paul Sewald is known for his resilience, skill, and leadership on the field, in the clubhouse and in the community. Sewald made an immediate impact when joining the team by securing six saves during the 2023 postseason, the most by a D-backs pitcher during a single postseason run in franchise history.
Sewald exemplifies the spirit of the Roberto Clemente Award through his exceptional performance as a pitcher and profound commitment to the community. Throughout his nine seasons in Major League Baseball, his dedication to make a positive impact off the field remains a priority through his philanthropic initiatives and charitable causes.
Sewald’s Strikeouts 4 Kids. When Sewald became a Diamondback at the 2023 trade deadline, Paul and his wife Molly jumped right into serving the Arizona community by teaming up with the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation and Child Crisis Arizona to continue Sewald’s Strikeouts 4 Kids. The initiative, started in 2022, was created by the Sewalds to provide children a safe environment, free from abuse and neglect, by creating strong and successful families. In Sewald’s Strikeouts 4 Kids’ inaugural year, the Sewalds donated $20,000 and grossed $73,900 in donations. The following year, the program raised $97,300, with a $40,000 contribution from the Sewalds.
In 2024, Sewald’s Strikeouts 4 Kids will continue to grow as Paul has personally committed $80,000 to Child Crisis Arizona. Working alongside the Diamondbacks Foundation, he is helping raise matching donations from fans who pledge a donation for each of his strikeouts, aiming to gross over $100,000. Beyond financial contributions, Paul and Molly dedicate their time to visiting Child Crisis and running supply drives, exemplifying their unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others.
In addition to Sewald’s Strikeouts 4 Kids, Sewald has supported the following community initiatives:
- Veteran & Military Affairs. Sewald is also dedicated to supporting military veterans in their pursuit of higher education. Over the past few seasons, he has contributed more than $20,000 to the Rick Hopcraft Memorial Scholarship Fund for Military Veterans. The scholarship fund provides financial assistance to veterans, helping them transition from military service to academic achievement and civilian careers while acknowledging the sacrifices and contributions of veterans, empowering them to reach their full potential.
- Youth Sports. In partnership with the Players Alliance, Sewald has distributed baseball gear to communities in need in Las Vegas. This initiative has provided essential sports equipment to underprivileged youth, fostering their love for the game and offering them opportunities to engage in healthy physical activities.
- Education. Last season, Paul organized a Back To School Drive called "Pencils & Pants" for KidVantage in Seattle, collecting over 550 items for children in need. Through this program, he ensured underserved children had the necessary supplies to start their school year with confidence and dignity.
- Charitable Giving. Sewald has generously donated to the Nicole Hazen Fund for Hope, St. Jude Children's Hospital, Miracle League of Las Vegas and Three-Square Food Bank of Las Vegas. Additionally, Paul stays very active when traveling during the season and donates his time on the road to various organizations around the country, demonstrating his commitment to giving back wherever he goes. This season, he’s served City Union Mission Kansas City, San Diego Rescue Mission and more.
The Roberto Clemente Award winner will be determined through a fan vote now through Sunday, September 29 at MLBTogether.com/clementeaward.
Sewald will be recognized during a special pregame ceremony on Roberto Clemente Day, September 15, prior to the D-backs game.