Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Chris Sale has been named the team’s nominee for the prestigious 2024 Roberto Clemente Award, a recognition that honors both his outstanding performance on the field and his incredible work off it.
Congratulations to Chris Sale for being named our 2024 nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award ❤️💙
Vote for Chris now: https://t.co/BquNzxUbbJ pic.twitter.com/Jww1j2Q0GV
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) September 9, 2024
While Chris Sale has been a standout this season, making a strong case for the Cy Young Award and even a potential comeback player of the year nod, this nomination highlights his dedication to giving back to the community.
Fans now have the opportunity to vote for the award winner, making Sale’s nomination even more exciting for Braves supporters.
According to MLB.com, Sale has spent his first year in Atlanta working closely with children and military families, demonstrating a deep commitment to charitable causes. Every month, he hosts a family for an exclusive pregame experience, which includes food, Braves gear, and the chance to spend personal time with Sale. Families have the opportunity to take photos and receive autographs, creating a memorable day at the ballpark.
The families Sale has hosted come from several notable organizations, including Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children’s Miracle Network, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Camp Sunshine, which provides support for children battling cancer. His work with these families has made a lasting impact, providing joy and inspiration to those facing incredible challenges.
Sale also participates in the Braves’ Lou Gehrig Day celebration, a cause close to his heart. In 1995, Sale lost his grandmother to ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s Disease, and he’s been actively involved in raising awareness and supporting efforts to combat the disease ever since.
The Roberto Clemente Award is named after the Hall of Fame outfielder, who tragically died in a plane crash while delivering aid to earthquake survivors in Nicaragua. Originally established as the Commissioner’s Award in 1971, it was renamed in 1973 in Clemente’s honor. Each Major League team nominates one player, for a total of 30 nominees. The award is given to a player who “demonstrates the values Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente displayed in his commitment to community and understanding the value of helping others,” according to MLB.
The winner of the 2024 Roberto Clemente Award will be announced during the World Series, and Braves fans will be eager to see if Sale can join the elite group of Braves players who have won the honor in the past. Previous Braves winners include Phil Niekro (1980), Dale Murphy (1988), and John Smoltz (2005). Sale’s work on and off the field makes him a strong contender for this prestigious recognition.
