Dodgers News: Mookie Betts Recognized for Community Impact with Roberto Clemente Award Nomination

The Los Angeles Dodgers have nominated Mookie Betts for the 2024 Roberto Clemente Award, a significant recognition in Major League Baseball. This award honors players who show exceptional character and contribute positively to their communities.

Each MLB team selects one player for this prestigious accolade, which pays tribute to the legacy of Roberto Clemente. This marks Betts' first nomination for the award, highlighting his impact both on and off the field.

In a press release from the MLB Betts stated, "Community work and helping others has always been important to me. I never look for recognition because I feel like it’s a requirement for all of us to help others in need. I just try and be the best I can to everyone and hope that it’s meaningful. However, to be nominated and recognized for my commitment to the community and those around me is definitely an honor and leaves me encouraged to keep going."

Betts co-founded the 5050 Foundation in 2021 with his wife Brianna, aimed at helping children overcome challenges, particularly those related to health and finances. The foundation focuses on mental health, nutrition, financial literacy, and physical fitness.

In addition to the foundation, Betts also launched the "50 Feeds LA" program, which has provided over $300,000 in meals to residents in South Los Angeles. He also organized Thanksgiving meal distributions for families in need and launched a bowling tournament to support improvements at Jackie Robinson's high school.

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Betts has also made contributions by establishing the "Betts on Us Fund" at UCLA Children's Hospital, assisting families with pediatric healthcare costs. He has also partnered with Crete Academy to bring underprivileged youth to Dodger games and has hosted financial literacy workshops.

Betts is also making a difference in Tennessee. He created “Team Mookie” in Nashville, which is a boy's basketball team in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU); his squad won the 2024 EYBL Championship.

Going beyond his personal foundation work, Betts has also been involved with the Make-A-Wish program, the “Dodgers Love LA Community Tour,” and the Dodgers’ annual Juneteenth activations.

The Dodgers will honor Betts on the field before their game against the Colorado Rockies on September 20. Fans can vote for him as the league-wide winner until September 29. Other nominees include Mike Trout for the LA Angels, the San Diego Padre's Manny Machado, and Mike Yastrzemski for the San Francisco Giants.