Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman/designated hitter Justin Turner is the recipient of the 2022 Roberto Clemente Award, the team announced Monday.
This is the first time Turner has won the award after being nominated five times. He’s the third player in franchise history to collect the honor.
“I think with the way the (Dodgers’) season ended and how everything went, this award actually was probably as far away from being on (my) mind as it could get,” Turner said, according to Juan Toribio of MLB.com. “But it was quite a surprise, and obviously, very exciting news for us.
“Getting the ultimate achievement of getting to go out during the World Series and be recognized is something that is pretty special, and I know my wife and I are very, very proud of it.”
The prestigious award was introduced in 1971. It was renamed for Clemente two years later following his tragic death. It is given to the player who “best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy, and positive contributions both on and off the field.”
