Pujols wins Clemente Award

Oct 26, 2008 - 12:19 AM PHILADELPHIA (Ticker) -- Major League Baseball on Saturday presented St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols with the Roberto Clemente Award for combining outstanding play on the field with devoted work in the community.

A seven-time All-Star and one of the leading contenders for the National League MVP Award this season, Pujols founded the Pujols Family Foundation three years ago with his wife.

The foundation helps children with Down Syndrome, serving more than 500 families affected in the St. Louis area with programs and special events.

"Albert Pujols has had another stellar year with the St. Louis Cardinals," MLB commissioner Bud Selig said. "However, it is his extensive and dedicated off-field efforts that have earned him this year's Roberto Clemente Award.

"Through the Pujols Family Foundation, Albert has been able to improve the lives of children and young adults with Down Syndrome in the greater St. Louis area, as well as provide much-needed support to underprivileged children in his home of the Dominican Republic. He also sets time aside to support other organizations and causes, including the Boys & Girls Club of America and the Ronald McDonald House."

The Roberto Clemente Award has been presented annually since 1971 in honor of its namesake, who died on December 31, 1972 in a plane crash while bringing supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua.

Pujols was selected from a list of 30 nominees, one from each major league team. Selig, along with Clemente's widow Vera, counted for two-thirds of the voting panel for the award, with the other third coming from a fan vote on MLB.com.

"I want to thank Major League Baseball, the fans and Chevrolet for this honor," Pujols said. "I have always said, 'I would rather be remembered for what I do off the field than for what I accomplish on it.' From that aspect, Roberto Clemente has always been a great inspiration for me. To have our work recognized in the same context as Clemente is truly one of the most humbling experiences of my life."

Past recipients of the award include Hall of Famers Lou Brock, Cal Ripken Jr., Rod Carew, Gary Carter, Tony Gwynn, Al Kaline, Willie Mays, Phil Niekro, Kirby Puckett, Brooks Robinson, Ozzie Smith, Willie Stargell and Dave Winfield. Last year, Craig Biggio took home the honors.

"On behalf of the Clemente family, I would like to congratulate Albert for his great success on the field, but more importantly for his work off the field," Vera Clemente said. "I know Roberto is looking down at the work all of these players are doing to help others, and I know he is very proud that people like Albert are creating your own legacy as a great humanitarian."