Morton named Bucs' nominee for Clemente Award

PITTSBURGH -- Charlie Morton was named as the Pirates' nominee for the 2014 Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet, Major League Baseball announced Tuesday.

The award, named for the Pirates legend, recognizes the player who best represents baseball through positive contributions on and off the field, including sportsmanship and community involvement.

"It's an honor to be nominated by the organization … the emphasis always has to be on helping people, and not getting recognition," Morton said. "It's nice, but it's not why I get involved. It's an honor to be able to help our men and women in the Armed Forces."

"I feel extremely proud of the support that Major League Baseball and Chevy provides to our communities," said Vera Clemente, Clemente's widow and an MLB goodwill ambassador who helps present the award each fall. "I know Roberto would be honored to know the way today's players support multiple causes. ... They are truly role models for today's generation."

Carlos Beltran won the 2013 Clemente Award, and every team has one nominee. Morton, a right-handed starter, is looking to become the second Pittsburgh player to win the award since its introduction in 1971. Willie Stargell is the only Pirate to receive the award, doing so in 1974.

Beginning Wednesday, fans can vote for the award's national recipient at ChevyBaseball.com, which is powered by MLB Advanced Media. Voting ends on Oct. 6, and participating fans will be automatically registered for a chance to win a trip to next month's World Series. The winner of the fan vote will receive one vote among those cast by the selection panel of dignitaries, from which the honoree will be chosen.