Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez has been awarded Major League Baseball’s prestigious Roberto Clemente Award for his outstanding character, community involvement, and philanthropic efforts. The award, recognizing Perez's remarkable contributions, was scheduled to be presented to him before Game 3 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium.
Perez, a nine-time All-Star and the 2015 World Series MVP, has been actively involved in charitable initiatives both in his hometown of Valencia, Venezuela, and in the United States. In Venezuela, Perez and his family have been distributing bags of food and kitchen supplies to 2,000 homes annually, benefiting over 10,000 families in the neediest areas. Additionally, he has established a youth baseball league, providing equipment and financial support to the children and their families.
Furthermore, Perez has demonstrated his commitment to helping those in need by funding numerous surgeries for children with cleft lips, donating over 1,000 toys to children’s hospitals, and supporting law enforcement officers. He has also extended his philanthropic efforts to Colombia, assisting the Carlos Fortuna Foundation in promoting effective parenting skills.
In the U.S., Perez has collaborated with organizations dedicated to combating Lou Gehrig’s disease and childhood cancer. Notably, he made a significant $1 million foundational donation to the Kansas City Urban Youth Academy, matching the largest donation ever received by the academy.
The Roberto Clemente Award, named after the legendary Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder who tragically passed away in a plane crash in 1972 while delivering aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua, recognizes players who exemplify Clemente's humanitarian spirit.
On the field, Perez had an impressive season, batting .271 with 27 home runs and 104 RBIs in 158 games. He is a five-time Gold Glove winner and boasts a career .267 batting average in 1,552 games, all played with the Royals since his debut in 2011.
It is worth noting that the Royals have won two World Series titles, with their most recent victory in 2015.
Salvador Perez's remarkable achievements both on and off the field truly embody the spirit of the Roberto Clemente Award, showcasing his dedication to making a positive impact in the lives of others.
