This That and the Other
The winner of the 2026 Roberto Clemente Award will be announced today before Game 3 of the World Series. First baseman Pete Alonso is the Orioles’ nominee.
He really is carrying this team.
The award is bestowed annually to the player who best represents the sport through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.
Alonso’s bio on the website praises the three core commitments of his foundation: supporting youth, supporting animal welfare and supporting veterans.
“At the heart of this work is a dedication to creating lasting change and serving as a voice for vulnerable people and animals who cannot advocate for themselves. Just as importantly, Pete paired financial support with personal involvement, visiting BARCS to learn about its work and spend time with animals awaiting homes, while also preparing to volunteer alongside residents at The Baltimore Station, which provides therapeutic residential treatment and transitional housing for veterans rebuilding their lives.
“Pete and Haley established the Alonso Foundation in 2020 to advocate for those who may not be able to advocate for themselves. Each year, the foundation supports more than 30 animal shelters, funds mental health services for veterans, provides school supplies to students and assists organizations responding to disasters. In Baltimore, Pete has translated that national mission into thoughtful local action. Through “Homers for Heroes,” the foundation partnered with the TowerCares Foundation to turn Pete’s on-field performance into sustained assistance for Maryland veterans and military families. For every home run Pete hits during the initiative, TowerCares contributes $2,500, an amount inspired by his No. 25 jersey, and the Alonso Foundation directs the funds to veteran-serving organizations throughout the state.
“Pete’s commitment to young people is equally personal. Through the Orioles’ Adopt-A-School partnership with Harlem Park Elementary Middle School, he regularly pauses during batting practice to greet students and staff, talk with them and sign autographs. He extends that same attention to children throughout the ballpark, consistently making them feel seen in moments they will remember long after the game. To help Harlem Park students begin the 2026-27 school year with confidence, Pete is providing backpacks, school supplies, shoes and new outfits for 12-15 students. He and Haley will also welcome 100-130 Harlem Park students and family members as their guests for the Alonso Foundation’s Movie Night at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, creating a joyful shared experience while raising funds to expand the foundation’s work.”
So, to summarize, Alonso is a great player and an even better person.
The award was established in 1971. Past Orioles winners are Brooks Robinson in 1972, Ken Singleton in 1982, Cal Ripken Jr. in 1992, and Eric Davis in 1997.
I never covered Robinson or Singleton but was fortunate to have many conversations with them over the years. Just as nice as you’d imagine. And as I’ve said in the past, nothing beats Mr. Oriole calling out your name and telling everyone that he relies on you for his updates on the team.
I felt like Jimmy Fallon in the SNL sketch. “Tommy, tell me you got that!”
My lasting memories of Davis are his return from emergency surgery to remove a cancerous tumor in his colon in 1997, and his dramatic ninth-inning home run in Game 5 of the American League Championship Series in Cleveland that forced me to rewrite my sidebar for The Baltimore Sun. And how he kept the media waiting at his locker afterward because he needed to duck into the bathroom and put on a tie.
I respected his skills, courage and fashion sense.
Also, anyone who began a question to Davis with, “They’re saying …,” or “There are people who …” would be challenged to provide names.
“Who are these people? Tell me who’s saying it.”
I’d smile when someone else at his locker fell into that trap.