Schwarber named Phillies nominee for Roberto Clemente Award
Major League Baseball announced today that designated hitter Kyle Schwarber has been named the Phillies’ 2026 nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One. This annual award recognizes the Major League player who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.
Schwarber is among the league’s 30 club nominees for the award, which includes some of the game’s most philanthropic players. The announcement was made in advance of Roberto Clemente Day (September 15), established by MLB in 2002 to honor the late Hall of Famer’s legacy as a humanitarian. The Phillies will recognize Schwarber for this honor when the team returns home on Tuesday, September 22, at Citizens Bank Park.
“Kyle embodies many of the qualities that make the Roberto Clemente Award so special. He is an exceptional player, a tremendous teammate and leader, and someone who is deeply committed to serving others,” said Phillies Charities, Inc. President Bonnie Clark. “Through Schwarber's Neighborhood Heroes, Kyle and his wife, Paige, have made a significant impact on the lives of first responders, military personnel and their families. Kyle is very deserving of this recognition, and we’re proud to nominate him for this prestigious award.”
Founded by Kyle and Paige Schwarber in 2017, Schwarber’s Neighborhood Heroes honors the sacrifices of first responders, military personnel and their families. More than $1 million in grants have been awarded to nonprofit organizations providing critical mental health, wellness, educational and crisis support for first responder and military families. Schwarber has also hosted more than 1,810 first responder and military families at the ballpark or in the community, in partnership with Families Behind the Badge Children’s Foundation, Fort Freedom, Philadelphia Fire Department Foundation, Philadelphia Police Foundation, TAPS, Team Foster, USO, Veterans Multi-Service Center and Warrior Canine Connection. Since the program’s founding, Schwarber’s Neighborhood Heroes grants have touched more than 16,000 individuals.
“Giving back to first responders, military personnel and their families is something that means a great deal to Paige and me,” said Schwarber, the son of a decorated police officer. “We’ve had the privilege of meeting so many incredible heroes and hearing their stories. Their courage and sacrifice inspire us every day. To be nominated for an award that honors Roberto Clemente’s legacy is truly humbling.”
HOW TO VOTE
Fans can vote for Schwarber to receive the Roberto Clemente Award at MLBTogether.com/ClementeAward until Sunday, September 27, the final day of the regular season.
The winner of the fan vote will count as one vote among those cast by a blue-ribbon panel, which includes representatives from the Commissioner’s Office, Capital One, MLB-affiliated networks, MLB.com and the National Baseball Hall of Fame, as well as Roberto’s children, Enrique, Luis and Roberto Clemente, Jr. The leaguewide winner of the Roberto Clemente Award will be honored at the 2026 World Series.