Venezuelan catcher Salvador Pérez is the winner of the 2024 Roberto Clemente Award, Major League Baseball (MLB) announced. He received the recognition on Monday night at Yankee Stadium, prior to the third game of the World Series that the Los Angeles Dodgers won 4-2 against the New York Yankees, to take a 3-0 lead in the match scheduled for a maximum of seven stops.
This distinction, which honors the memory of the late Puerto Rican outfielder Roberto Clemente, is an award that annually recognizes the Major League player who best represents baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions.
“It means a lot to me. I’ve read a lot about Roberto Clemente. I know he was an incredible player, but he was even better off the field. That’s what made him super special. And that makes this award super special,” Pérez said about this prestigious award.
Pérez has set an example as captain of the Royals through his work, in which he distributes food and supplies to more than 10,000 families in Venezuela each year, where he has also founded a youth league that has developed more than 200 players, providing land, instructors , equipment and financial support.
Continuous talks
In that space, Pérez also dedicates time to giving talks to young people about how to lead a successful life, including the importance of education and the need to stay away from drugs.
“Especially in our country, when you try to get kids to think about sports, they’re not going to have time to think about anything else. You go to school in the morning, in the afternoon you go play baseball, you come home, you have to do your homework. homework and then go to sleep. I don’t think they have time to think about bad things,” says Pérez.
In addition to Venezuela, the work of the Royals’ star catcher extends throughout the communities of Kansas City and Colombia.
Perez has paid for dozens of surgeries for children with cleft lips and is also a member of Sarah’s Soldiers, a group that raises money to find a cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
With his work off the field and the values he transmits with his performance leading the Royals, Pérez becomes the first player in the history of the Kansas City franchise to win this distinction.
Venezuelan career
Pérez has defended the Royals jacket in his 13-year career in the Major Leagues, earning the status of captain of the team, which he led to its second World Series crown in 2015, winning the Most Valuable Player award of the Classic of Fall and this year returned them to the postseason.
During this journey, Pérez has represented the Royals in nine All-Star Games and has won the Gold Glove five times as best defensive catcher, in addition to winning the Silver Slugger four times for his work with the bat.
Pérez, who points out that he does not carry out these tasks to achieve the award, recognizes the impact that the time that can be dedicated to them can have on people’s lives and, therefore, he tries to contribute by giving a little of his time to others. .
“We change people’s lives for about 10-20 seconds,” says Pérez about what a baseball player can impact by dedicating some of his time to helping others.
New York / EFE
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**Interview with Salvador Pérez: 2024 Roberto Clemente Award Winner**
**Editor:** Good evening, Salvador, and congratulations on receiving the 2024 Roberto Clemente Award! This is a significant achievement, not just in baseball but in your community work as well. How does it feel to be honored in such a way?
**Salvador Pérez:** Thank you so much! It means a lot to me. I’ve always admired Roberto Clemente, both as a player and as a humanitarian. He was an incredible athlete, but what made him truly special was his commitment to helping others. Receiving this award inspires me to continue working for my community in Venezuela.
**Editor:** You’ve made a profound impact back home by helping thousands of families and providing opportunities for young athletes. Can you tell us more about your community initiatives?
**Salvador Pérez:** Absolutely. Every year, my team and I distribute food and supplies to over 10,000 families in Venezuela. I also founded a youth league that has helped develop over 200 young players. We provide land, training, equipment, and financial support. I believe it’s important to give back, especially in a country where opportunities can be limited.
**Editor:** You also dedicate time to speaking with young people about education and staying away from drugs. Why do you think this is important?
**Salvador Pérez:** It’s crucial for the youth to understand that education is key to their future. In our country, sports can provide a pathway to success, but it’s important for kids to balance that with their studies. I encourage them to focus on their education in the mornings and play baseball in the afternoons. This structured approach keeps them engaged and out of trouble.
**Editor:** With the World Series currently underway, how does it feel to be a part of such a pivotal moment in baseball history while also receiving this recognition?
**Salvador Pérez:** It’s surreal! Being at Yankee Stadium, watching the Dodgers lead the series, and knowing I’m being honored for my efforts is a moment I’ll never forget. It’s a perfect reminder that baseball is more than just a game; it can create a positive ripple effect throughout communities.
**Editor:** Thank you, Salvador, for sharing your insights with us. Your dedication to both the sport and your community is truly inspiring.
**Salvador Pérez:** Thank you for having me! Let’s keep working together to make a difference.