What initially began as the Commissioner’s Award in 1971 — and later changed in 1973 to honor the humanitarian work done by Roberto Clemente prior to his untimely death, the award is given out each year to one player that exemplifies what it means to be a man of character, integrity and sportsmanship, both on and off the field of play. This season, the Yankees have selected 19-year veteran C.C. Sabathia as their shining example of what an athlete in the spotlight should strive to be.
A native of Vallejo, California, Sabathia and his wife Amber work diligently through their PitCChin Foundation, which offers to better the lives of children residing in low-income areas.