Will Smith is Dodgers nominee for Roberto Clemente Award
Dodgers catcher Will Smith was the team’s nominee for the 2026 Roberto Clemente Award, the annual honor that recognizes players for their contributions both on and off the field, named for the legendary Hall of Fame former Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder. Smith and his wife Cara founded Catching Hope, “a nonprofit organization working to help underprivileged […]
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Will Smith has been nominated for the 2026 Roberto Clemente Award. This annual honor acknowledges players for their contributions both on and off the field, named after the legendary Hall of Fame Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder. Smith, along with his wife Cara, established the Catching Hope nonprofit organization, which aids underprivileged children in developing leadership, self-advocacy, and self-sufficiency skills.
This year, Catching Hope undertook various initiatives, including an art installation at Marquez Elementary School in Los Angeles, a comedy night in Beverly Hills as part of Netflix is a Joke Fest, a community clinic at Dodger Stadium, and a visit to UCLA hospital to surprise some special Dodger fans. The fan vote to determine the recipient of the Clemente Award will be open until September 27, the final day of the regular season.
The panel of judges comprises MLB commissioner's office members, MLB.com writers, MLB television media partners, and family members of Roberto Clemente. The winner will be revealed during the World Series. Mookie Betts secured the award last year, while Justin Turner, a close friend of Smith, won the title in 2022 and was also nominated in 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2021.
Turner, now playing for the Tijuana Toros, won the best-of-7 Serie del Rey tournament, securing the Mexican League championship.
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