Fullerton, Calif. – For the second consecutive year, former Cal State Fullerton All-American and current Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Ricky Romero was named one of 30 nominees for the 2012 Roberto Clemente Award as announced by Major League Baseball.
The Clemente Award, originally known as the Commissioner's Award, recognizes the player that best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship and community involvement and contribution to his team. The award was renamed in honor of the Pirates' popular outfielder who died tragically in a plane crash delivering supplies to earthquake victims on New Year's Eve, 1972.
Today (Tuesday) is Roberto Clemente Day throughout Major League Baseball as the league announced the names of the 30 club nominees, including nine 2012 All-Stars, who are candidates to receive the overall Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet at the World Series.
Voting is under way through Oct. 14 at MLB.com/ClementeAward as fans help decide which of those 30 club winners will receive this prestigious recognition. The nominees were chosen based on their dedication to giving back to the community, as well as their outstanding ability on the field.
Romero is actively involved with the Jays Care Foundation and the Toronto Blue Jays Community Relations Department.
The southpaw also serves as an honorary division captain for the Jays Care Foundation Rookie League supporting youth from Toronto Community Housing.
Romero selected Camp Oochigeas to visit the JCCC for a special baseball game experience and was there to greet children living with cancer and spend time with them.
He has attended Jays Care Foundation's two signature fund-raising events of the season, the annual Curve Ball and the Charity Golf Tournament. He openly encourages his teammates, both by his words and by example, to get involved and help the Foundation and the community.
Romero traveled to Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal to represent the Blue Jays Winter Tours and encourage the growth of the game across Canada.
He also participates in the Toronto Blue Jays annual school visits to speak with students about the importance of healthy eating and physical activity.
Back in his hometown of East Los Angeles, Ricky also sponsors a children's baseball team.
Romero spent three seasons at Cal State Fullerton (2003-05) before being drafted in the first round by Toronto in the 2005 MLB First-Year Player Draft. He helped the Titans to two College World Series appearances, including a national championship in 2004.
During his career at CSF, he earned All-American and Big West Pitcher of the Year honors in 2005, and his career numbers include a record of 30-9, and 311 strikeouts.
Last year, Romero was the first Titan since Oakland's Kurt Suzuki to earn a team nomination.
Romero is 8-14 this season in 29 starts with Toronto.
ASSOCIATED CHARITIES
- Jays Care Foundation
- Toronto Blue Jays Community Relations Department
- Camp Oochigeas
Fan voting will count for a portion of the selection of this year's Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet. You can cast your vote for former Titan Ricky Romero by going to the website below: