Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez has won the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award, Major League Baseball’s annual honor recognizing players whose humanitarian efforts exemplify off-the-field service.
Perez, 34, is the first Royals player to receive this award, recognized for his generosity in Kansas City, Valencia, Venezuela, and Colombia. His charitable work includes distributing food and kitchen supplies to nearly 2,000 Venezuelan households annually and aiding over 10,000 families.
Humanitarian Work
Perez’s efforts in Venezuela hold special meaning due to the country’s political instability and food insecurity. Alongside his mother, Yilda Diaz, he provides essential supplies and supports a youth league offering free baseball gear and clinics promoting education and safety.
In Kansas City, Perez supports local ALS and childhood cancer organizations, donated $1 million to the Urban Youth Academy and funds surgeries for children with cleft lips.
Inspiration
Perez aims to inspire fellow players to give back, encouraging them to dedicate just one day a month to making a positive impact.
Career Highlights
A nine-time All-Star, Perez has won five Gold Gloves and was the 2015 World Series MVP. This season, he hit .271/.330/.456 with 27 home runs and 104 RBIs.
Legacy
Perez admires Roberto Clemente’s philanthropic legacy, particularly in Latin America. Clemente’s selflessness and tragic death in 1972 resonate deeply with Perez.
Perez said, “When we do something, we do it from the heart. I want to make people happy.”
