Indians slugger Jim Thome will be presented with the Brooks Robinson Community Service Award at the 12th Annual Legends for Youth Dinner. The dinner will take place at the Millennium Broadway Hotel in New York.
Jim Thome closed out his 20th year in the Major Leagues as the newest member of the 600-homer club. He reached the milestone in a game on Aug. 15, 2011. His .277 batting average and on-base percentage of .403 have garnered him a Silver Slugger Award (1996). Thome is a five-time All-Star and has made two World Series appearances during his career.
Thome has been involved with numerous charitable organizations, including service as honorary chair of the United Way Home Run Derby from 1998-2002 and chair of the Phillies Phundamentals programs for inner-city children. For 16 years, Thome has hosted an annual event for Children's Hospital of Illinois. The event has raised more than $2 million.
The Brooks Robinson Community Service Award is given annually by the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association to a current or former Major Leaguer. The recipient's community service exemplifies the unselfish and humble attitude of Brooks Robinson, bettering the lives of the youth in his community. The award is given in honor of the dedication Robinson has shown to young people across the country through his support of the Legends for Youth Clinic series and the MLBPAA since its inception in 1982. The MLBPAA will host a Legends for Youth Clinic in the city most affected by the community service of the winner of the Brooks Robinson Community Service Award.