Doolittle is A's Roberto Clemente Award nominee
Left-handed reliever active in multiple charities in Northern California
OAKLAND -- For his involvement with numerous charitable organizations, A's reliever Sean Doolittle has been identified as the A's nominee for the 2013 Roberto Clemente Award.
The annual award, sponsored by Chevrolet, recognizes the player who best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and positive contribution to their team.
"Obviously, it's not your intention when you get out in the community and do some stuff. You're not going after that award," Doolittle said. "It's the last thing on your mind. It kind of comes out of the blue unexpected, and I guess in a way it makes it a little more special.
"After I got nominated and learned a little more about it and realizing just how big a deal it is and how prestigious of an award it is makes it that much more of an honor to be nominated for it. It's right up there with your Cy Youngs and MVPs, doing stuff on and off the field. It's pretty cool."
Along with the rest of Oakland's bullpen, Doolittle founded the A's Relief program, which honors one local hero per month in an on-field ceremony. Along with several prizes, a donation is made to the charity of the recipient's choice.
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 Tuesday 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.
Doolittle will be recognized for this honor in an on-field ceremony prior to Tuesday's game against the Angels. Doolittle has also been named the recipient of the 2013 Dave Stewart Community Service Award, which is given annually to an A's player in recognition of charitable contributions throughout Northern California and across the nation. Stewart will present Doolittle with the award prior to Wednesday's game.