PITTSBURGH -- Major League Baseball announced on Tuesday that Reds catcher Tucker Barnhart was one of 30 nominees for the 2018 Roberto Clemente Award, the most prominent individual award for Major League players.
The Roberto Clemente Award is presented annually to individuals who represent the game of baseball through exceptional character, involvement in the community, philanthropy and positive contributions both on and off the field.
"It's truly an honor," Barnhart said. "It's an award that carries a lot of respect throughout Major League Baseball and, I think, throughout the community, throughout the whole city of Cincinnati and others. I think this award kind of affirms that the choices that I've made in my life have been pretty good. I enjoy giving back as much as I possibly can."
Barnhart, a resident of Indianapolis, will be donating the $7,500 check he receives to The Humane Society of Indianapolis. He said his desire to give back stems from his love for animals.
Barnhart has done work with Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health in Indianapolis and the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center. He has worked to unite the two organizations, using his platform as a Reds player and Indianapolis resident to give back to both.
"He's just a good pro," Reds interim manager Jim Riggleman said. "He's great with our fans, he exemplifies high character. I could go on and on. He's just a wonderful young man. A guy that our fans kind of rally around."

Barnhart will be recognized as the Reds' Roberto Clemente Award nominee prior to Cincinnati's game against the Padres on Thursday.
"I got a lot of good advice growing up in professional baseball," Barnhart said. "'Never become bigger than the game,' and things like that. So I try to give back as much as I can. To be awarded an honor like this, it's truly very humbling, for sure."
The winner of the Roberto Clemente Award will be announced during the 2018 World Series. The winner will be selected by a blue ribbon panel that includes individuals connected to baseball, such as Commissioner Rob Manfred, Clemente's wife and current MLB Goodwill Ambassador Vera Clemente, and representatives from MLB-affiliated networks and MLB.com.
More September callups
The Reds continued to bolster their September roster on Tuesday by recalling right-hander Tyler Mahle from Triple-A Louisville and selecting the contracts of catcher Tim Federowicz and outfielder Gabriel Guerrero from Louisville.

They also recalled right-hander Keury Mella from Triple-A Louisville for the purpose of placing him on the 60-day disabled list (left oblique strain).
Federowicz's presence as a third catcher will allow for the Reds to be more flexible with their bench and how they use Barnhart and Curt Casali. When Guerrero plays, he will become the ninth Red to make his Major League debut this season.
Mahle has made 22 appearances, all starts, for Cincinnati in 2018. He posted a 4.95 ERA and 1.56 WHIP while going 7-9. Riggleman said that the plan is for the right-hander to get work in the bullpen to tune him up to make multiple starts before the season ends.
"He's always been a starter," Riggleman said. "We feel like he will continue to be a starter, so we'd like to get him at least a couple starts up here in September."