John Baker is Roberto Clemente Award Finalist

MLB has named John Baker as a finalist for the Roberto Clemente Award.  This is a very prestigious award and being nominated is a big deal.

Joe Frisaro has the best story going about the nomination.  Here is a part of it:

Before Spring Training began, the Northern California native gave his time and energies visiting United States military troops in Kuwait and Iraq. He was part of a group of Marlins' representatives to visit the Middle East to recognize and honor those serving their country.

More recently, on July 6, Baker traveled to Haiti six months after the country was devastated by an earthquake.

Baker was part of an effort by the Marlins and the Food for the Poor program, which is raising money to build concrete homes in Haiti.

It is true that every team gets a nominee, and I'm sure some of the others have done outstanding work.  But I find it hard to believe that any of the others have traveled so many miles to try and bring relief to others.  And it is not only his work around the globe that is impressive, but he has been very present here at home with his work with the Marlins Community Foundation.

So if you get a free moment or two, vote for John Baker at:

Roberto Clemente Award

I will warn you the site loads very slowly, or at least it has for me.

But that said, just wait it out and vote for John Baker, you will be glad you did.

And hey, you might even win a nifty trip to the first game of the World Series.  Not sure where the first game will be, but I do know this, it will be in a National League park.