09/06/2006 10:00 AM ET Vizquel nominated for Clemente Award Shortstop's charitable efforts earn honor's consideration By Rich Draper / MLB.com Omar Vizquel helped raise more than $500,000 to assist children and families of the Venezuelan flood and mudslide in December 1999. (Ben Margot/AP) It's also a giving heart. Vizquel is San Francisco's nominee for the coveted Roberto Clemente Award, recognizing the player who best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual's contribution to his team. It is named in honor of the former Pirates outfielder whose spirit and goodwill will always be remembered. Clemente died in a plane crash while attempting to transport relief supplies to earthquake-stricken Nicaragua on Dec. 31, 1972. Vizquel exemplifies sportsmanship in the game, and off the field, there have long been special ties to his community, from seasons in Seattle, Cleveland and -- since 2005 -- San Francisco, where he routinely makes special trips to hospitals, schools and events, while donating funds to assist local charities and worthwhile endeavors. Vizquel was active in the Children's Miracle Network for Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, donated $30,000 for Giants-sponsored community work, supported the Make-a-Wish Foundation by meeting with critically ill children and has used his artistic talents to help Roots Division, a Bay Area art and education program. It's a treat for Vizquel to mingle with fans and needy folks. "You get satisfaction that you're helping others," said Vizquel. "I remember when I was a kid, it was hard to find players to talk to you, and if you had that opportunity, you felt like you were in heaven. I love to see their faces and see them smile. It's good." Vizquel was presented with Major League Baseball's Hutch Award in 1996, named for former pitcher Fred Hutchinson, given annually for the player who shows character, desire and fighting spirit. In the help-others mold of Clemente, Vizquel helped raise more than $500,000 to assist children and families who survived the Venezuelan flood and mudslide in December 1999. "I felt obligated, because people were looking for leadership," said Vizquel. "So many people died, almost 30,000 people. Ballplayers have a lot of influence over big companies and governments, and I worked with WorldVision to help with the relief effort." Vizquel notes the Giants set up events and opportunities to meet with underprivileged kids and other groups, and the shortstop rarely says no. "There's always time to go out into the community and talk to kids and talk to people involved in baseball," said Vizquel. "We can answer questions that people have about the game itself and things that are going on with the team. "It gives us an opportunity to reflect and open our eyes and see what other perspectives people have of the ballplayers and the team." Rich Draper is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs. -- COBRAS.....只有三種...... 嚴肅認真的COBRAS....... 幽默搞怪的COBRAS....... 還有.....溫柔體貼的COBRAS....... --

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