Cleveland Indians right-hander Carlos Carrasco has been named the 2019 winner of the Roberto Clemente Award, it was announced Friday.
Carrasco was lauded for a number of charitable acts, including his work in Venezuela, Colombia and Africa as well as his home in Tampa, Florida. He and his wife, Karelis, also donate scholarships to single mothers and give money to U.S. veterans.
“Winning the Roberto Clemente Award is one of the most prestigious honors,” Carrasco said in a statement. “This is something that I have dreamed of, and I am very excited to share this honor with the Cleveland Indians and my home country of Venezuela. I hope to continue giving back to others and inspire more players to help in the community.”
Words can’t describe what @Cookie_Carrasco means to our community and organization.
THANK YOU for making such a big impact on and off the field. Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/R9Vr0KhHFJ
— Cleveland Indians (@Indians) October 25, 2019
Carrasco missed a portion of the 2019 season after being diagnosed with leukemia in June. He underwent chemotherapy and returned as a reliever in September to finish the season.
The Clemente Award honors a major league player who “best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual’s contribution to his team.”
Carrasco was chosen from a list of 30 players who were nominated by their individual teams.
“We are proud to welcome Carlos Carrasco to the prestigious fraternity of Roberto Clemente Award winners,” MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. “The Roberto Clemente Award is the most important individual player award due to the genuine impact that Major League Players have on those who are most in need.
“Carlos, through his global philanthropic efforts, is an excellent example of someone who selflessly acts on behalf of the less fortunate and embodies the spirit of our game’s most celebrated humanitarian.”