Lance Berkman today was named the Houston Astros recipient of the 2008 Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevy. He is one of 30 Major League Club nominees for the national 2008 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. Tomorrow will mark the seventh annual Roberto Clemente Day, which was established by Major League Baseball in 2002 to honor the legacy of Roberto Clemente.

The Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevy, is part of Chevy’s official sponsorship of Major League Baseball, and recognizes those players who best represent 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 died on New Year’s Eve 1972 while attempting to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. This award perpetuates Clemente’s legacy and character by recognizing current-day players who truly understand the value of helping others.

Fans are encouraged to participate in the selection of the national winner of the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevy. From September 3rd through October 5th, 2008, fans can log on to www.chevy.com/clemente and vote for one of the 30 Club nominees.

Berkman’s commitment to the organization and to the Houston community year-in and year-out has lead to his selection as the team’s 2008 Roberto Clemente nominee. This season marked the eighth for Berkman’s Bunch, a program designed to give less fortunate children in the Houston area an opportunity to experience Astros baseball in a very personal way. Prior to every Saturday game in the summer, Berkman meets with 50 kids, spending time with them signing autographs and answering questions. Since its inception in 2001, approximately 4,000 children have participated in Berkman’s Bunch.

Other instances of his generosity and giving spirit over the years include:

  • Financially supporting, with a $100,000 donation, the Yellowstone Academy, a private, Christ-centered school serving exclusively children from low-income families
  • Making personal appearances to visit patients and employees of local hospitals
  • Supporting the Sunshine Kids (children with cancer) by visiting and signing autographs on their ballpark visits
  • Regularly participating in the Astros winter caravans where he and teammates visit schools, hospitals, malls and sign autographs, take photos, and interact with Astros fans
  • Serving as spokesperson for The Methodist Hospital Stroke Research program
  • Hosting a holiday party for families at the Fort Bend County Women’s Center where he read stories to kids and handed out gifts

Berkman’s Christian faith is a driving force in his life. This year, he was the featured speaker at the Astros Faith and Family Night sharing his testimonial with thousands of Houston fans. Berkman’s faith, along with his understanding of his role as a team leader, inspires him to accommodate the many special requests for his time.

Berkman will be recognized as the Astros recipient of the 2008 Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevy in a ceremony before the Astros vs. Pirates 7:05 p.m. game on September 9 at Minute Maid Park.

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 automatically will be registered for a chance to win a trip to Game Three of the 2008 World Series, where the national winner of the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevy will be announced.

As the official sponsor of the Roberto Clemente Award, Chevy will donate $7,500 to the charity of choice of each of the 30 Club recipients. Chevy also will donate $30,000 and a Chevy vehicle to the national winner’s charity of choice and an additional $30,000 will be donated by Chevy to Roberto Clemente Sports City, a not-for-profit organization in Carolina, Puerto Rico, designed to provide recreational sports activities for children.

Contact: Houston Astros Media Relations Department, 713-259-8900.