CommunityOF Grady Sizemore was named the Cleveland Indians recipient of the 2008 Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevy. This award recognizes players who best represent the game of baseball through sportsmanship, community involvement and positive contributions to their teams.
Sizemore actively participates as Cleveland's Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) program ambassador. He donated his time and playing expertise to over 1,000 youth during the RBI 1st Pitch event and volunteers for numerous community activities including: "Shop with a Pro", Equipment Drives, and the Hall of Fame Celebration. Grady also regularly visits with special guests and young fans during batting practice prior to games. As the recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award, Chevy donated $7,500 to the charity of Sizemore's choice, which he gratefully donated to Cleveland Indians Charities. More »
Both the Cleveland Indians and The Commissioner's Initiative for Kids dedicate their efforts to supporting the development of well-rounded youth and strong communities. Recognizing the accomplishments of our young people by donating tickets to children and families across the country is an important part of our national commitment. The goal of The Commissioner's Initiative for Kids is to provide tickets to children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend a Major League Baseball game. Sign up now for Community Days »
On the second Friday of each month, players, players' wives, coaches, and front office volunteers offer their time and service in the greater Cleveland surroundings. "Indians in the Community" supports 5 volunteer components: Health & Disease, Social Services, Education, Arts, Culture & Humanities, and Environment & Animals. Projects include literacy assistance, restoring cultural pieces, cooking and preparing meals, land management projects and more.
To launch "Indians in the Community," Indians front office volunteers spent an afternoon cooking, cleaning and participating in an arts and crafts project with the children of the Ronald McDonald Family Room. Since then, the "Indians in the Community" volunteer program has assisted many other organizations including the City Mission, Cleveland Reads, St. Malachi Center, Providence House, Shop with a Pro, and Rebuilding Together.
Tribe players spend the day shopping with children from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland and Lorain County at a local Dick's Sporting Goods. Kids ages 7-15 receive $100 gift cards for back-to school shopping .Tribe players such as Grady Sizemore, Ryan Garko, Shin-soo Choo, and others were on hand to help the kids make the most of their gift card by purchasing clothes, shoes and many other needed items.
The Cleveland Indians are proud to partner with Rebuilding Together Inc. to help restore a select home of a resident in need in the City of Cleveland. Founded in January 1996, the Cleveland affiliate of Rebuilding Together Inc. is a nonprofit organization designed to assist select Cleveland residents on a limited income, facing challenging circumstances in life and are unable to maintain their property. Restoration and supplies are made possible through the sponsorship of local corporations.
On July 24, 2008, over 50 Cleveland Indians front office personnel in collaboration with Rebuilding Together Cleveland refurbished the home of a local 81 year old senior located in the Stockyards. The hard-working crew scraped, primed and painted the house. Debris was cleared including landscaping of the enclosure of the yard and the 100 year old home was given new life.
For more information Rebuilding Together, visit their website at www.rebuildingtogether.org or reach them directly at (216) 556-3265.
