TicketsSept. 5, 2008
BOSTON - Former University of Cincinnati baseball player Kevin Youkilis was one of 30 Major League Baseball players nominated for the 2008 Roberto Clemente Award on Tuesday, which is an award that recognizes the player who best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual's contribution to his team.
The award is named in honor of former Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder, Roberto Clemente, who died in a plane crash in 1972 while attempting to transport relief supplies to Nicaragua.
In 2007, Youkilis started the Kevin Youkilis Hits for Charity program and the program raised close to $600,000 in its opening year. The charity is dedicated to rallying local and corporate support for charities and organizations focused on the health and wellbeing of children. In 2007, Youkilis was honored by the Red Sox as their Man of the Year for his work in the community.
Youkilis, who was a first-time All-Star in this past July, is having a career season for Boston. Youkilis is hitting .315 on the season, with 24 home runs and 94 RBIs. Youkilis' 24 home runs ranks 12th in the American League, and his 94 RBIs rank eighth.
Fans can participate in the selection process of the national winner of the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevy. From September 3rd through October 5th, fans are encouraged to log on to www.chevy.com/clemente and vote for one of the 30 Club nominees. The winner will be announced during the 2008 World Series.