Washington Nationals' Ryan Zimmerman Named Recipient of the 2007 Roberto Clemente Award

09/05/2007 -- Ryan Zimmerman today was named the Washington Nationals recipient of the 2007 Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet. He is now one of 30 Major League Club nominees for the national 2007 Roberto Clemente Award, which is given annually to the Major League Baseball player who combines outstanding skills on the baseball field with devoted work in the community. Today also marks the sixth annual Roberto Clemente Day, which was established by Major League Baseball in 2002 to honor the memory of Roberto Clemente and to officially recognize local Club recipients of the Roberto Clemente Award.

The Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet, is part of the company's official sponsorship of Major League Baseball, and recognizes those players who best exemplify the game of baseball through sportsmanship, community involvement and positive contributions to their teams. The award is named for Clemente, a 12-time All-Star and Hall of Famer who was killed on New Year's Eve 1972 while attempting to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. This award perpetuates Clemente's memory and character by recognizing current-day players who truly understand the value of helping others.

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Ryan Zimmerman has been an active member of the Washington community since he arrived in September of 2005. Ryan took part in both the 2006 and 2007 Winter Caravans, when several members of the Nationals made public appearances in the DC Metropolitan Area. As a part of the Caravans, Ryan participated in clinics at local Boys & Girls Clubs, library reads to promote literacy and visits to area hospitals. Ryan spoke with children about the importance of nutrition and a balanced diet at the 2007 PBATS (Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society) Clinic. As part of the 2007 Dream Gala, benefiting the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation, Ryan participated in a clinic for a group of eight children and a Modell's Shopping Spree for two auction winners. Prior to games at RFK Stadium, Ryan has met with soldiers from Walter Reed Medical Center and children's groups, signing autographs and taking pictures with the visitors.

Ryan launched the ziMS Foundation in 2006 to raise awareness and funds for multiple sclerosis, a disease which has touched him personally since his mother, Cheryl, was diagnosed in 1995. He has worked with both the Virginia Beach chapters and Greater Washington, DC chapters of the MS Society. Ryan will host the second annual ziMS Foundation Golf Tournament in Virginia Beach, Nov. 9th & 10th. The 2006 golf tournament raised over $40,000 with $20,000 donated to the Hampton Roads Chapter of MS. The ziMS Foundation also partnered with Papa John's Pizza to raise funds in 2007. Northern Virginia and Washington, DC Papa John's restaurants will donate $1.11 from each Ryan Zimmerman Special large pizza to the ziMS Foundation. The 22-year-old third baseman is in his second complete Major League season, both with the Washington Nationals. Ryan has led the Nationals in RBIs in each of the last two seasons and leads Major League Baseball in game-ending RBI since the start of the 2006 season (seven).

For the first time, fans can participate in the selection process of the national winner of the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet. From Sept, 5th through Oct, 5th, fans can log on to mlb.com/chevy21 and vote for one of the 30 Club nominees. The fan vote winner will be tallied as one vote among those cast by the selection panel, which includes Vera Clemente, wife of the late Hall of Famer, and Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig. Participating fans will automatically be registered for a chance to win a trip to Game Three of the 2007 World Series, where the national winner of the Roberto Clemente Award, presented by Chevrolet will be announced.

As the official sponsor of the Roberto Clemente Award, Chevrolet will donate $7,500 to the charity of choice of each of the 30 Club recipients. Chevrolet will also be making a $30,000 donation to the charity of choice of the national Roberto Clemente Award winner and a $30,000 contribution to Roberto Clemente Sports City in Puerto Rico.

Source: MLB