George Springer’s latest honor comes with a different kind of weight.
The Blue Jays have named their designated hitter the club’s nominee for this year’s Roberto Clemente Award, a recognition that lands in a very different lane from the Silver Sluggers, All-Star nods and World Series ring already on his résumé. Springer, a 3x Silver Slugger, 4x All-Star and World Series champion, made it clear why this one stands apart.
"This one is not about the game. It's about being a human being and doing what you can to give back to anybody and everybody," stated Springer.
The Roberto Clemente Award was created in 1971 under the name Commissioner Award, built to recognize players who lead in their communities and make a real, positive impact. It later took on Clemente’s name after the Hall of Famer died in a plane crash while traveling to Nicaragua to deliver aid to earthquake victims. Each September, every MLB organization selects a finalist.
For Toronto, Springer was the obvious choice. His work in the community has become a major part of his time in Canada, and his annual George Springer Bowling Benefit in Toronto has helped raise awareness and money for Jays Care Foundation and the Stuttering Association for the Young (SAY). The event has been a centerpiece of his off-field work for three years, and it has raised more than half a million dollars for causes that matter deeply to him.
That connection is personal. Springer dealt with a persistent stutter as a kid, giving him firsthand understanding of the challenges facing children who live with the same struggle. That background has helped shape the way he shows up in the community.
SportsNet’s Hazel Mae spoke with Springer about why this honor means so much, and the answer was simple: it reaches beyond performance and production. The award looks at what a player brings to the team and to the community, not just what shows up in the box score.
The MLB has released player profiles on each organization’s nominee now that voting is open, and Springer’s is one of the ones worth reading. Since arriving in Canada, he has built a reputation as a steady, respected veteran whose professionalism, dedication, humility and accountability are mentioned just as often as anything he does at the plate.
For the Blue Jays, the nomination is a source of pride. And for Springer, it’s a reminder that some of baseball’s most meaningful recognition happens far away from the diamond.
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