Work with youth earns Morrison Clemente nomination

Playing first base for the Miami Marlins is Logan Morrison's profession. Doing his part to help make the world a better place is one of his passions.

For years, Morrison has offered his time and energies to assisting those less fortunate, and the 26-year-old's charitable works are well documented. Morrison has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for the American Lung Association.

Also on his plate, Morrison created "Project LoMo," an initiative aimed at getting children involved in enriching their communities.

Morrison's continued charitable efforts have once again made him the Marlins' representative for the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award, which recognizes players' off-field contributions. Morrison also was nominated for the award in 2012.

Tuesday is Roberto Clemente Day throughout Major League Baseball, a day instituted on the 30th anniversary of his passing in 1972 to keep alive Clemente's spirit of giving. Voting runs from Sept. 17 through Oct. 6 at chevybaseball.com as fans help decide which of those 30 club winners will receive this prestigious recognition. The nominees were chosen based on their dedication to giving back to the community, as well as their outstanding ability on the field.

The drive to help others is rooted in Morrison's own personal hardship. In 2010, he lost his father, Tom, to lung cancer. Ever since, the first baseman has played an active role in combating the deadly disease.

Last month, Morrison announced the five winners of his Project LoMo competition at a news conference at Marlins Park. In partnership with the American Lung Association, Project LoMo was established to encourage youths to create their own charitable program. All summer, fans submitted an essay explaining their projects.

"We're looking to get kids active in their community and make their community a better place," Morrison said in the days leading up to the winners being revealed. "Whether it is starting a recycling program or raising money for a cause for poverty, or whatever it may be."

What makes Project LoMo a unique charity is because it aims for children's involvement.

"Just kids helping kids and kids helping grownups and people in general," Morrison said in August. "It's a pretty special thing because a lot of kids don't think they can do any different, and nobody listens to them."

Morrison also lends his name to LoMo's MVP, a program he started in partnership with Connor Goodman, a young boy who lost his father to a heart attack. LoMo's MVP assists children affected by tragedy. Once a month, a family who has recently lost a parent is invited to spend time with Morrison at the ballpark prior to a game.

For years, Morrison has run the LoMo Camp for a Cure, which also benefits the American Lung Association. Children who participate are treated to a baseball clinic, and they receive instruction from Morrison as well as some current and former players. Nathan Eovaldi, Christian Yelich, Juan Pierre and Jeff Conine assisted with the camp in January.