Yankees' Marcus Stroman Earns Nomination For Prestigious Award

The Yankees' right-hander was nominated for the highest honor that a player could receive.

Aug 30, 2024; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (0) reacts after a double play ends the the top of the sixth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Marcus Stroman is a candidate for the greatest honor a Major League Baseball player can earn.

On Monday, the 33-year-old right-hander was selected as the New York Yankees' nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award; the honor, named after Pittsburgh Pirates legend Roberto Clemente, is given annually to the player who "best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement, and the individual's contribution to his team".

The Roberto Clemente Award goes to the player who best represents baseball through community involvement, character & philanthropy 💙

For his @HDMHFoundation and his work with local youth, Marcus Stroman is our nominee. Vote for @STR0 👉 https://t.co/3yV3lP9tYH pic.twitter.com/lAYxZgrQjf

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 9, 2024

The Yankees currently have two previous winners on the roster; first baseman Anthony Rizzo was the 2017 recipient (with the Chicago Cubs), while the honor was bestowed upon outfielder and team captain Aaron Judge in 2023. Other past winners for the Bronx Bombers include Ron Guidry (1984), Don Baylor (1985), and Derek Jeter (2009).

Upon earning his team's nomination, Stroman expressed his gratitude on X while also tagging his charitable foundation, the HDMH (Height Doesn't Measure Heart) Foundation.

Grateful. @HDMHFoundation https://t.co/t79QgZV5MP

— Marcus Stroman (@STR0) September 9, 2024

Although the Yankees have plenty of worthy nominees in a clubhouse full of camaraderie, Stroman checks every box of the award's criteria.

Off the field, the New York state native created the HDMH Foundation to assist underprivileged children and adolescents (especially in difficult areas to live, such as inner cities) in pursuing their goals. Stroman himself, who stands at 5'8", was often told that he was too short to fulfill his dream of becoming a major league player; he not only proved his doubters wrong, but he subsequently created his foundation to give others the confidence they need to overcome similar (or greater) adversity.

On the field, Stroman is well known for his team-first attitude and strong work ethic, which is best exemplified by his 143 innings pitched this season. This consistent availability, in addition to his accountability, has made him perfect in handling the notoriously demanding New York media and forming strong bonds with his teammates.

While every nominee of the Roberto Clemente Award is deserving, Stroman has been an ideal candidate for so long that even if he doesn't win, he should be in the conversation for the league's most prestigious honor for years to come.