NEW YORK, Sept. 6 (UPI) -- St. Louis Cardinals slugger first baseman Albert Pujols Wednesday led the nominees for baseball's Roberto Clemente Award.
Pujols is batting .322 this season with 44 home runs and 116 RBI in 446 at-bats.
His home run total ties him with Washington's Alfonso Soriano for second place in the National League.
Among other nominees are first baseman/designated hitter David Ortiz of Boston; Chicago White Sox left-fielder Jermaine Dye; Cincinnati Reds center-fielder Ken Griffey, Jr.; Philadelphia second baseman Chase Utley and New York Mets first baseman Carlos Delgado.
Each Major League club nominated a player.
The award is given each year to the player who demonstrates Clemente's values, his commitment to community, and understanding the value of helping others.
Last year's winner was Atlanta right-hander John Smoltz. Other former winners were Edgar Martinez and Jamie Moyer of Seattle, Jim Thome of Cleveland and New York Mets pitcher Al Leiter.
