Dodgers' Mookie Betts Wins Roberto Clemente Award for Humanitarian Work

In a significant recognition of his off-field impact, Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts has been awarded the Roberto Clemente Award. The prestigious honor is given annually to a Major League Baseball player who best represents the sport through character, community involvement, philanthropy, and positive contributions.

Betts, a former AL MVP and eight-time All-Star, has been lauded for his extensive humanitarian work. In 2021, he founded the 5050 Foundation to help underserved youth with their mental and emotional health, nutrition, financial literacy, and physical fitness. Additionally, Betts donated over $30,000 in Nike apparel to victims of the deadly Los Angeles wildfires that occurred last January. He and his foundation also provided financial assistance and recovery resources to a family whose Altadena home was destroyed in the Eaton Fire.

Betts' philanthropic efforts extend beyond Los Angeles as well. He has founded an AAU basketball program and an eponymous baseball tournament in his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee. Betts has also contributed $160,000 to hunger and homelessness initiatives, and has supported pediatric patients at UCLA Children's Hospital.