SAN DIEGO -- On the field, 2016 has been a struggle for Tyson Ross, who has spent the season battling injuries. Off the field, however, the veteran right-hander has been an All-Star -- and he was recognized for his efforts in the community on Tuesday.
Ross was named the Padres' nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, which is given annually to the player "who best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual's contribution to his team."
Ross was primarily recognized for his community contributions through the Ross Rotation -- where he hosts, funds and plans a youth event every month. The goal of the monthly event is to bring joy to kids at the Jackie Robinson YMCA and the Monarch School, for kids affected by homelessness. Ross is also heavily involved in other youth clinics and animal welfare.
Beginning on Roberto Clemente Day, fans are encouraged to participate in the new process of selecting the winner of the Roberto Clemente Award by posting any nominee's voting hashtags to MLB's official social media accounts, @MLB on Twitter and Facebook.com/MLB. Ross' hashtag is #VoteRoss. Voting is underway.
"He's a tremendous person," said Padres manager Andy Green. "He works as hard as anybody, he does everything you could possibly want off the mound. He cares about everybody. He's a great guy to have to build around, and it's been tough on all of us, not having him [pitching]."
Major League Baseball announced the 30 club nominees on Tuesday for the annual recognition of a player who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field. Each club nominates one player to be considered for the Roberto Clemente Award in tribute to Clemente's achievements and character by recognizing current players who truly understand the value of helping others.
Wednesday marks the 15th annual Roberto Clemente Day, which was established by Major League Baseball to honor Clemente's legacy and to officially acknowledge local club nominees of the Roberto Clemente Award. Clubs playing at home on Wednesday will recognize their local nominees as part of Roberto Clemente Day ceremonies. Visiting clubs will honor their nominees before another September home game.
As part of the league-wide celebration, the Roberto Clemente Day logo will appear on the bases and official dugout lineup cards and a special tribute video will be played in ballparks.
The original "Commissioner's Award" for philanthropic service was renamed in 1973, in honor of Clemente, the Hall of Famer and 15-time All-Star, who died in a plane crash on New Year's Eve 1972, while attempting to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua.