9/18 DeJesus named Cubs Clemente nominee

Cubs outfielder David DeJesus was named the team’s nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award. The award was established by MLB to honor Clemente’s legacy and to officially recognize local club nominees. The annual award recognizes a Major League Baseball player who best represents the game of baseball through positive contributions on and off the field, including sportsmanship and community involvement. The award is named for the 15-time MLB All-Star and Hall of Famer who died in a plane crash on New Year’s Eve 1972 while attempting to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua.

DeJesus has been supportive of Chicago Cubs charities, especially the Cubs RBI program (Reviving Baseball in the Inner Cities). He supports former teammates Kerry Wood and Ryan Dempster and their foundations. DeJesus’ wife, Kimberly, has combined with David to lead a drive for ALS Day at Wrigley Field in July, and they raised more than $28,000 for .the ALS Association, Greater Chicago Chapter.

David and his former teammate Zack Greinke also joined Heart to Heart International to buy toothpaste, hand towels, combs, shampoo and other everyday items to send to victims of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.

David also has participated as a spokesperson for Guadalupe Centers Inc., an organization that aims to improve the lives of Latinos in the Kansas City community.

– Carrie Muskat