New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge has been named the recipient of the 2023 Roberto Clemente Award, Major League Baseball announced on Monday. The award is presented annually 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.
Judge received the honor for his efforts to support kids in California and New York through his ALL RISE Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to inspire children and youth to become responsible citizens through activities that encourage them to reach unlimited possibilities.
This prestigious award makes Judge the fourth Yankee to win it, joining Derek Jeter (2009) and back-to-back recipients Ron Guidry (1984) and Don Baylor (1985).
Commissioner Rob Manfred presented the award to Judge at Chase Field ahead of an on-field ceremony during Game 3 of the World Series. Manfred highlighted Judge’s accomplishments both on and off the field, stating that Judge’s contributions outside of baseball are equally important.
Also present at the ceremony were two of Roberto Clemente’s sons, Luis and Roberto Jr., along with grandson Roberto Clemente III. Clemente Jr. welcomed Judge to the Clemente family of award winners, praising him as a true example of a great human being and a leader among today’s players.
During a brief press conference, Judge touched on the Yankees’ offseason plans and his conversations with owner Hal Steinbrenner. He mentioned that they plan to talk further when he returns to New York and expressed confidence that the team is working on making significant moves during the offseason.
Judge declined to provide specifics about the changes he expects but emphasized that changes could come in various forms, including philosophies, players, and coaches. He acknowledged that the team has work to do since they haven’t made it to the World Series in quite a few years.
The ALL RISE Mini-Grant Program, supported by Judge’s foundation, has already aided six organizations in 2023. These include Bridge2College, NYC Autism Charter Schools, Tourette Association of America, Edward C. Merlo Institute of Environmental Technology, Resiliency Center of Fresno, and Birch Family Services. The program has supported over 27 community-based organizations, public and private agencies, and faith-based organizations to date.
Judge’s foundation also collaborates with initiatives like #ICANHELP and “I Can Help Delete Negativity” to combat toxic behavior on social media by spreading positivity online.
The Roberto Clemente Award was renamed in 1973 to honor Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente, who tragically died in a plane crash while delivering supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua on New Year’s Eve 1972.
Aaron Judge’s recognition as the recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award highlights his exceptional character, community involvement, and philanthropic efforts. As a leader on and off the field, Judge continues to inspire children and youth to become responsible citizens and make a positive impact in their communities.