Zach Neto’s night on the field was strong enough on its own. He scored two runs in the Angels’ win. But the bigger moment came away from the scoreboard, when he was announced as the Angels’ 2026 nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award.
The honor, named for baseball’s most celebrated philanthropist, recognizes extraordinary character, community philanthropy, and meaningful work beyond the game. For Neto, it clearly landed hard.
When he spoke before Monday’s game, the usually energetic shortstop was visibly emotional.
"It means the world," said Neto. "Me and my family talk about it all the time this game is bigger than just itself on the field. There's a way bigger story outside."
Neto said he views the Clemente Award as the most meaningful honor in the sport.
"To me, personally, I think this award in general is the most important award out of every single award there is in the Major Leagues," explained the Angels shortstop. "So to be able to be the nominee for the Angels and just be able to support everybody that I supported outside of the baseball field it's a true testament to who I am, what I do for the community, as well as the person my family raised me as."
That perspective comes naturally to Neto, the son of Navy veteran Jaoquin. He grew up admiring big leaguers, but he also understood the example set by people serving their communities and defending freedoms every day. Now, as a major leaguer himself, he sees his role in both lanes.
He said he still thinks about being the kid who wanted to meet the players he watched on TV.
"Now as a big leaguer I'm just trying to fulfill that dream for those kids I wished I could have been," said Neto. "It means the world to me. No matter the outcome on the field, whether its good or bad, just try to be an inspiration and role model to those kids."
He also said he wants that impact to keep going long after his own playing days are done.
"I'm not going to play this game forever," Zach acknowledged saying he wanted "just to hand it off to them and them do the same thing back."
Much of Neto’s off-field work centers on the Joe Dimaggio Children's Hospital Foundation in his hometown of Miami, Florida. He hosts the Annual Zach Neto Bowling Tournament to benefit the hospital, has visited patients directly, and used the MLBPA Players Trust Double Play Matching Gifts Program to increase his donations. He also designated that foundation as the recipient of his 2026 Roberto Clemente Award nomination donation.
His community work also runs through the Angels Foundation, where he focuses on helping and inspiring children. He visits schools and classrooms through the Adopt A School program and runs free baseball clinics.
Neto’s support extends to military families as well. He attends Fleet Week every year and says he is struck by the lives of service members.
"Not too many people get to say 'thank you' and I think it's a very good way to say it," he reflected. "Just being able to enjoy the time with them on their time off and be regular people."
He also supports TARPS, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, which helps honor and host families of fallen service members at Angel Stadium.
The Angels were recognized for their charitable work with the Bobby Murcer Award last month, and Neto played a major role in that effort. Now, he has earned individual recognition for the work he has been doing all along.
In Other News...
Stan Kroenke Just Sent Angels Fans A Quiet Anaheim Signal
A subtle branding shift on MLBs official team website has put a long-running Angels identity question back in play. As of April 2026, the club is again listed as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, with the mailing address updated as well, a small but notable change after the franchises sale to Stan Kroenke and Kroenke Sports Entertainment.
The wording matters because the team is still tied to a lease agreement that requires Anaheim to remain in the name, and Angel Stadium remains a city-owned building. Taken together, the update can be read as a quiet signal that the new ownership may be preparing to stay put, even if the larger future of the franchise is still far from settled. [Read more 🡒]
Angels May Finally Have A Shot At A Coveted Offseason Arm
The Angels are already being mentioned in the early market for one of this winters more intriguing pitching names, with Japanese left-hander Kaimi Taira expected to be posted in early November. The starter has put together a strong recent run in NPB, and his arrival on the open market would give clubs another chance to chase a pitcher who has been drawing attention well before the offseason rush really begins.
For an Angels team that is always looking for ways to add impact arms, Tairas situation adds another layer of interest because the posting comes earlier than usual amid concern over potential MLB labor unrest. His path to free agency in Japan is also part of what is pushing the timeline forward, which means the Angels and other interested teams may not have to wait long before learning whether this becomes a realistic target or just another name on a crowded winter board. [Read more 🡒]
Angels Fans Have A New Reason To Watch The Arizona Fall League
The Arizona Fall League rosters are out ahead of the circuits Oct. 3 opening, and there is a familiar appeal for Angels fans looking for one more layer of baseball to follow this fall. The league has long served as a finishing school for some of the sports better young talent, and this years group again includes a mix of prospects whose recent performances have put them on the radar.
For Angels supporters, the draw is not just the league itself but the chance to keep tabs on players with upside as they move into a more demanding setting. The roster rundown includes names such as Eduardo Quintero, Caleb Bonemer, Najer Victor, Breyson Guedez and Jhonny Severino, each bringing a different background and recent track record into a showcase that can change how a prospect is viewed heading into next season. [Read more 🡒]