Angels News: Mike Trout is Halos’ Roberto Clemente Award nominee

Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout is being recognized for his superstar work off the baseball field.

For two straight seasons, Andrew Heaney has represented the Los Angeles Angels as a nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award. However, that streak has come to an end with Mike Trout receiving the 2020 nod for the Halos.

Major League Baseball announced the 2020 nominees, one for each team, via the Twitter on Thursday.

Established in 1971, the Roberto Clemente Award is given yearly to one player that “best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual’s contribution to his team”. In honor of Clemente, who tragically dies while aiding earthquake victims in Nicaraugua, the award typically honors those that reach beyond the game of baseball to aid the communities around them.

Over the years, Mike Trout has been a huge proponent for giving back to those in need. He’s worked with the Boys and Girls Club in the past and regularly donates items for charity auctions to help various needs.

However, over the last year-plus, Trout stepped things up. Driven by the suicide of close friend, and brother-in-law, Aaron Cox, Trout has become a voice in the fight to bring awareness to mental health issues and suicide prevention. It started with working for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and quickly expanded from there.

In early July, Trout and his wife Jessica took things a step further. Partnering with Tiny Turnip, they created a custom line of products where the proceeds go direct to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The collection, known as Your Game Isn’t Over Yet, became and instant success in both raising awareness and funds for the organization.

For his work with the organization, and his continued quest to draw attention to mental health issues and suicide prevention, Trout exemplifies exactly what the Roberto Clemente Award is meant to honor; hope, help, and awareness.

Past Angels nominees for the Roberto Clemente Award include Andrew Heaney (2016, 2018, 2019), and Cameron Maybin (2017). Albert Pujols took home the award in 2008 as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals. However, no member of the Angels has ever won the prestigious award.

The winner is chosen by a panel as well as a fan vote. Fans can cast their choice via on online vote starting today.