Every season, each MLB team nominates one player for the Roberto Clemente Award, an honor that recognizes the off-the-field work done by players to benefit their communities.
The Arizona Diamondbacks nominated eighth-year veteran outfielder David Peralta for 2021, MLB announced on Tuesday.
This is Peralta’s first career nomination for the award, but he has been involved in various causes locally and abroad for years.
The 34-year-old has been a regular visitor and supporter of Phoenix Children’s. He came up with the idea to put teddy bears in the stands last season to represent the children and then to donate smaller versions of the plush toys to those in the hospital.
Even during the pandemic, he has been able to make an impact and visit children virtually through the D-backs’ interactive robot “Hope.”
Peralta has also worked with the St. Mary’s Food Bank to open pantries for lower-income elementary schools, as well as the Boys and Girls Club.
We can bear-ly contain our excitement for @DPFreightTrain6‘s new fan section.
pic.twitter.com/QFzGqgYY5V
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) July 31, 2020
In August of 2020, the D-backs announced the opening of David Peralta Field in Wickenburg, Ariz. This was the 43rd field built or renovated by the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation, per a press release.
The David Peralta Fund for Venezuela works with non-profit organizations to supply medical aid and other necessities to people in Venezuela.
The winner of the award is determined by a panel that includes MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, media members, Clemente’s children and a fan vote, per MLB.
Fans can vote for the nominated players online through the end of the season. The winner typically gets announced during the World Series, with last season being an exception.