Matt Cain named San Francisco Giants nominee for the 2012 Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet

Major League Baseball and Chevrolet, the official vehicle of Major League Baseball, today announced that Matt Cain was named the San Francisco Giants 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. Cain 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. 

Cain’s passion for his work, both on and off the field, translates into direct action and involvement in

each organization he supports.  He has extended his commitment this season to working with youth by

donating his time and inspiration to young children with life threatening diseases at the Make-A-Wish

Greater Bay Area.  Cain lends his voice and image to several organizations hoping to use his platform

as a professional athlete to reach out and encourage others in his community.

Cain’s Community Work:

Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area

Project Open Hand

Until There’s A Cure

No H8 Campaign

Junior Giants Program

PAWS in San Francisco

The Giants will honor Cain before tonight’s game during a pre-game homeplate ceremony.  On behalf of Chevrolet and Major League Baseball, Cain will be making a $7,500 donation to Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area.  Representatives from the Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area will be present to receive the donation.

“We are obviously so proud of all that Matt has achieved on the field, but even prouder of what he does off the field to support our community.  The Roberto Clemente Award nomination highlights his passion and commitment to our Bay Area community, and we congratulate him on this prestigious nomination” said Giants President & Chief Executive Officer Larry Baer.

“I am humbled for being nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award.  It is truly an honor to be mentioned among the many great players who have won this award in the past, and those who were also nominated by their teams this season, for their dedication and service to the community.  I am proud to represent the Giants as the club’s nominee.  Thank you to my teammates and to the fans for all of their support,” said Matt Cain.

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 national award recipient by visiting MLB.com/ClementeAward to vote for one of the 30 Club nominees. Participating 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.