The Roberto Clemente Award is given annually to the baseball player “who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.” Anthony Rizzo won the award in 2017 and his response to the mass shooting at his alma mater in Parkland, FL and his ensuing support of the community is a great example of the man he is beyond the field.
“I am only who I am because of this community,” Rizzo said during Thursday night’s candlelight vigil. “And I just want all of you to know how proud I am to be a part of this community.