Cuddyer Named Rockies Roberto Clemente Nominee

Michael Cuddyer named Colorado Rockies nominee for the 2012 Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet

Beginning today, Fans Can Vote for the National Award Recipient on MLB.com/ClementeAward and Register for a Chance to Win a Trip to the 2012 World Series

Major League Baseball and Chevrolet, the official vehicle of Major League Baseball, today announced that outfielder Michael Cuddyer was named the Colorado Rockies’ 2012 nominee for the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet. Today marks the eleventh annual Roberto Clemente Day, which was established by Major League Baseball to honor Clemente’s legacy and to officially recognize local Club nominees of the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet. Cuddyer is one of the 30 Club finalists for the annual award, which recognizes a Major League Baseball player who best represents the game of baseball through positive contributions on and off the field, including sportsmanship and community involvement.

The Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet pays tribute to Clemente’s achievements and character by recognizing current players who truly understand the value of helping others. The Award is named for the 15-time MLB All-Star and Hall of Famer who died in a plane crash on New Year’s Eve 1972 while attempting to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua.

Earlier this season, Michael visited victims and families affected by the theater shooting in Aurora, CO and the charity he has chosen to receive the donation from Chevrolet, should he be named winner of the award, was supported by Jessica Redfield Ghawi, an aspiring sports reporter who died in the theater shooting.

Upon signing with the Rockies, Michael purchased a suite at Coors Field where he hosts children and families from all walks of life and he has donated school supplies to children in need. After 14 years in the Minnesota Twins organization, the legacy and community influence of Michael is touching lives in Colorado, but his influence continues to reach the Twin Cities. From 2006-2011, Michael’s “Cuddies Buddies” community ticket program allowed over 25,000 children, who would not otherwise get the opportunity, to attend a Major League Baseball game. He started the Michael Cuddyer Celebrity Waiter Dinner, enlisting his teammates to serve dinner to guests, raising over $160,000 for the Boys & Girls Clubs from 2007-2011.

Michael has long been involved with the Cheerful Givers organization and was a member of the board of directors for the Twins Community Fund and was also instrumental in securing a $250,000 grant through the Pepsi Refresh Project, funds that were donated to the Courage Center in Minnesota.

“From the moment Michael became a Rockie last winter it became evident that we were getting not only a great baseball player, but also a wonderful and thoughtful individual,” said Rockies Owner/Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dick Monfort. “Michael and his family have been a tremendous addition to our organization and the Colorado community.”

“It’s a tremendous honor and one that I’m very proud of. Like Roberto Clemente, it is not something we do for recognition, but it’s always nice when someone notices,” said Cuddyer of his nomination. “The real heroes are the ones that benefit from the good deeds of our profession.”

The distinguished list of past national Roberto Clemente Award recipients includes 14 members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame:

+ Member of the Baseball Hall of Fame

Beginning today, fans are encouraged to participate in the process of selecting the award recipient by visiting MLB.com/ClementeAward to vote for one of the 30 Club nominees. Fans will be automatically registered for a chance to win a trip to the 2012 World Series, where the national winner of the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet will be announced. Voting ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on Sunday, October 14^th, and the winner of the fan poll will receive one vote among those cast by a selection panel.

All Clubs playing at home today will recognize their local nominees as part of Roberto Clemente Day ceremonies, while each visiting Club will honor their nominees before another September home game. As part of the league-wide celebration, the Roberto Clemente Day logo will appear on the bases and the official dugout lineup cards.