Baseball player wins award for work with young adults with Down syndrome

From The Houston Chronicle's World Series Notes:

Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals received the 2008 Roberto Clemente Award, given annually to the player that excels on the field and in community service.

“It doesn’t matter what you do on the field, it’s what you do off the field and the lives you touch,” he said. “It takes a lot of hard work, but it comes from the heart.”

Each major league team nominates one player. The winner is chosen from a committee that includes Vera Clemente, Roberto’s widow.

The Pujols Family Foundation assists young adults with Down syndrome. His interest began with the birth of a daughter with Down syndrome. He also works with the Boys & Girls Club of America and the Ronald McDonald House.

Previous Clemente Award winners include Hall of Famers Ozzie Smith, Cal Ripken and Tony Gwynn. Craig Biggio won the award last year.