Jesús Luzardo is the Miami Marlins' nominee for the 2024 Roberto Clemente Award. His unwavering commitment to giving back since joining the Marlins in 2021 has solidified his place as a community cornerstone. From collaborating with the Miami Marlins Foundation to attending and hosting various events on his own, he strives to leave an impact on South Florida that stretches far beyond the diamond.

A graduate of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., Jesús hosts a free baseball clinic for local youth at his old school every year before the MLB season begins. His time there shaped him into not only the baseball player he’d become but also the person he is today. As a high schooler, his team volunteered with the local Challenger Baseball League, an adaptive baseball program for kids with special needs and disabilities. To this day, Jesús often visits the league in his free time.

Along with his involvement there, Jesús has participated in five baseball fantasy camps for kids hosted by the Marlins Foundation over the last three seasons. This year, he participated in one at the team’s Spring Training site and another at loanDepot park. These camps provide kids with physical and intellectual challenges and the opportunity to improve their skills by participating in a one-day clinic, where MLB players guide them through different stations.

In June, Jesús teamed up with the Marlins Foundation to host a free baseball clinic for individuals from the WOW Center Miami. The WOW Center is an adult-day training center that supports and serves individuals with developmental disabilities from Miami-Dade County. Jesús led attendees through stations that highlighted the sport’s fundamentals.

Last month, he joined the Marlins Foundation on a visit to Camillus House, whose mission is to feed and provide housing to the homeless in Miami-Dade County. As part of the trip, Jesús served lunch and donated $5,000 on behalf of the Marlins Foundation. He also visits Camillus House in his own time with his family and has joined Marlins manager Skip Schumaker on visits to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital.

Earlier this year, Jesús launched the Luzardo Family Foundation to support local initiatives that are important to him. The nonprofit organization seeks to empower and uplift children from underserved communities to help them reach their full potential.

Through his selfless actions and dedication to serving the community, Jesús’ pride in representing the Marlins and South Florida is evident. He displays a constant willingness to give back and always does so with a smile on his face. As he inspires the next generation and helps those in need, Jesús has established himself as a true hometown hero.