PHOENIX -- Second baseman Aaron Hill was named the Arizona Diamondbacks' 2013 nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, which was established by Major League Baseball to recognize the players who best represent the game of baseball through positive contributions on and off the field, including sportsmanship and community involvement.
Clemente, a 15-time All-Star and Hall of Famer, died in a plane crash on New Year’s Eve 1972 while attempting to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua.
Hill has been a leader in representing the D-backs throughout Arizona. He kicked off the season by dedicating a youth baseball field in Parker, Ariz., in March as part of the APS Diamonds Back Field program. Aaron Hill Field, which is located 160 miles west of Phoenix, serves as the only youth baseball field in a town of 3,000 people. During his visit to Parker, Hill spent the majority of the day meeting with more than 500 school children and residents of the Parker community taking photos and signing autographs. Hill also made a personal donation to cover the cost of the field.
Hill helped fulfill Kyle Byrd’s wish to become a D-backs player for a day through the Make-A-Wish Foundation and took part in the magical wish reveal. Hill also gave Byrd private hitting lessons and showed Byrd around Chase Field. The D-backs will recognize Hill during a special ceremony on the field prior to Wednesday's game against the Dodgers.
“Aaron has continued to prove he is a leader both on and off the field, and this year is no exception,” said D-backs President and CEO Derrick Hall. “His selfless attitude and willingness to help wherever needed is commendable and represents what it means to be a D-back in every aspect.”
“I am extremely humbled to be named the D-backs Roberto Clemente nominee,” said Hill. “Roberto was a tremendous role model on and off the field, and it is a true privilege to be considered for the Award named in his honor.”
Fans can participate in the process of selecting the national Roberto Clemente Award by visiting ChevyBaseball.com to vote for one of the 30 Club nominees. Voting ends on Sunday, Oct. 6, and participating fans will be automatically registered for a chance to win a trip to the 2013 World Series, where the national winner will be announced.
