Super Special: Salvy Honored With 2024 Clemente Award

Royals catcher Salvador Perez receives prestigious honor for his philanthropic work in Kansas City

Perez has been a mainstay in the Kansas City community since joining the Royals in 2011

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Royals catcher Salvador Perez has been named the 2024 recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award, Major League Baseball’s highest honor for community service.

Perez, who has been a mainstay in the Kansas City community since joining the Royals in 2011, was recognized for his work with the Salvador Perez Foundation, which supports children and families in need. The foundation, which was established in 2013, has donated millions of dollars to local organizations and has helped to improve the lives of countless people in the Kansas City area.

Perez said he was “deeply humbled and honored” to receive the award, which is named after the late Pirates Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente. Clemente, who died in a plane crash while delivering aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua in 1972, was known for his humanitarian work both on and off the field.

In a statement, Perez said he was inspired by Clemente’s example and that he was committed to continuing to give back to the community that has embraced him and his family.

“I am so grateful to the Royals organization, to my teammates, and to the people of Kansas City for all of their support,” Perez said. “I am also grateful to my wife, Maria, and to my children for their love and support. This award is a testament to the power of teamwork and to the difference that we can make when we come together to help others.”

Perez is the first Royals player to win the Clemente Award since George Brett in 1989. He is also the first Venezuelan player to win the award since Andres Galarraga in 1997.

The Clemente Award is voted on by a panel of baseball writers, historians, and executives. The award is presented annually at the World Series.