Roberto Clemente Award is given annually to the Major League Baseball ( MLB ) player who " best exemplifies the game of baseball , sportsmanship , community involvement and the individual 's contribution to his team " , as voted on by baseball fans and members of the media . It is named for Hall of Fame outfielder Roberto Clemente . Originally known as the Commissioner 's Award , it has been presented by the MLB since 1971 . In 1973 , the award was renamed after Clemente following his death in a plane crash while delivering supplies to victims of the Nicaragua earthquake
Nicaragua earthquake
1972 Nicaragua earthquake
Roberto Clemente Award