SEATTLE -- For Orioles slugger Chris Davis, to be his team's nominee for the 2018 Roberto Clemente Award really is gratifying.
But to be an integral part of the community was always part of the plan after signing a big contract extension in 2016.
"It means a lot to me and a lot to my wife, as well," Davis said. "We've being doing as much as we can, and we've partnered with a number of organizations over the years. But to be recognized for that work and really the time and effort we've put out there, it's pretty humbling. It's a pretty big honor."
Davis earned the Orioles 2018 honor due to his family's work with multiple charities in the Baltimore community, among them the University of Maryland Children's Hospital, Casey Cares, Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter, Inc. (BARCS), Christian Youth Athletics and the OriolesREACH Gameday Experience Program.
The Clemente Award was renamed in 1973 to honor the 15-time All-Star shortly after he died in a plane crash while attempting to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. The award was previously called the "Commissioner's Award" and was established in 1971.
Fans can visit mlb.com/clemente21 to read bios of all 30 MLB nominees and participate in fan voting.
Davis said having a family of his own made it even more of an imperative to do the work that he has been recognized for.
"It changes your perspective when you have your own kids; it's something Jill and I want our kids to see," Davis said. "We want our children to understand how fortunate and blessed they are, and we want them to be around some of those kids and interact with them and get a feel for what it's like on a daily basis when you have a life-threatening disease or some kind of condition that really makes life a little bit tougher.
"It's been good for our family, but hopefully for the community as well."
It was the second consecutive season that Davis was the Orioles' nominee for the award. Center fielder Adam Jones has also been the Orioles' nominee for the award twice. The Roberto Clemente Award winner will be announced during the 2018 World Series.