Advertisement

Atlanta pitcher wins Clemente Award

HOUSTON, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- Atlanta Braves pitcher John Smoltz was named Tuesday as the 2005 recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award.

The award is given annually to the player who combines outstanding play on the field with devoted work in the community. It is named after former player Roberto Clemente, who died on Dec. 31, 1972, during a humanitarian mission to assist earthquake victims in Nicaragua.

Advertisement

Smoltz, honored on the field prior to Game 3 of the World Series between the Chicago White Sox and Houston Astros, was selected from a list of 30 nominees, one from each team.

The pitcher and his wife, Dyan, have been active members of the Atlanta community for many years.

Smoltz was one of four Braves players who contributed $75,000 to help fund the Atlanta Braves Baseball Academy. He also participates in a baseball camp and has been a huge supporter of the Atlanta Community Food Bank since 1992.

Latest Headlines