Justin Turner of the Los Angeles Dodgers was announced as the winner of the 2022 Roberto Clemente Award for his incredible efforts in giving back to the community that stood a notch above.
After joining the Dodgers prior to the 2014 season, Turner has quietly used his platform to be more than just a Major League Baseball player. In fact, he’s become a pillar in Los Angeles for their franchise on and off of the field.
He and his wife, Kourtney, have become intertwined with the L.A. community, starting the Justin Turner Foundation, which supports homeless veterans, children(and their families) batting life-alter illnesses, and numerous youth baseball leagues. Their commitment to helping families during the COVID-19 pandemic was paramount, and The Justin & Kourtney Turner Food Bank provides food for more than 60 local food banks.
This was Turner’s fifth nomination for the Roberto Clemente Award, given to the player who “best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy, and positive contributions, both on and off the field,” and he is all of that and much more. The selection is a humbling experience for Turner, who understands he’s more than just a baseball player, via Juan Toribio of MLB.com:
“I feel like I’ve always felt like it’s a responsibility for me to help our younger guys kind of realize their platform and how much of an impact they can have,” Turner said. “I mean, obviously our No. 1 goal is to help as many people as we can, but I think No. 2 is to help our younger guys realize [their impact] and grow and start their foundations, and hopefully … impact just as many people.”
Turner joins Steve Garvey and Clayton Kershaw as the other Dodgers to win this incredible award, and in terms of class-act individuals, look no further than who he is.
Angels’ Jared Walsh, ‘humbled’ by nomination for Roberto Clemente award
In his fourth year with the Los Angeles Angels, first baseman Jared Walsh has made an impact for his team and also as a member of the community within the city of Anaheim and the surrounding areas. His efforts have earned him a meaningful nomination for the Roberto Clemente Award.
Being one of baseball’s most prestigious awards signifies a commitment to giving back and going beyond the field of play, regardless of on-field performance. Walsh is one of 29 other players nominated for the award, all receiving recognition for their own selfless acts.
Walsh highlights his family, and upbringing as the main reason for this nomination meant so much.
Make sure to follow Angels Nation on Twitter for all the latest news and updates surrounding the Halos!
