Will Smith continues Dodgers legacy as Clemente nominee

MLB Will Smith continues Dodgers legacy as Clemente nominee

By Ben Gale

September 17, 2026 • 9:04 AM EDT

Updated 1 hours ago

Will Smith continues Dodgers legacy as Clemente nominee

If you’re sizing up which MLB player has truly made a difference this year, look no further than Will Smith. The Dodgers’ stalwart catcher is now the team’s nominee for the 2026 Roberto Clemente Award, a recognition that’s more about who you are off the diamond than what you do on it. This award honors players who go above and beyond for their communities, just like Roberto Clemente did as a Hall of Famer for the Pirates.

Smith’s off-field resume is just as impressive as his on-field one. Alongside his wife Cara, he leads Catching Hope, a nonprofit that gives underprivileged children the kinds of life tools most of us take for granted. The group’s efforts spanned the year; they brought public art into a Los Angeles elementary school, hosted a Dodgers Stadium clinic to inspire kids firsthand, added a dose of humor to the Netflix is a Joke Fest with a charity comedy night, and even brought smiles and Dodger blue to patients at UCLA hospital.

According to Yahoo Sports, fans can get involved this season and vote for Smith through September 27, the close of the regular season. It’s not just fan sentiment that matters, either. A mix of MLB executives, writers, broadcast partners, and members of the Clemente family also gets a say. The winner gets announced during the World Series, which adds a little extra spark for anyone following the Dodgers all the way through October.

Past winners from LA include last year’s honoree, shortstop Mookie Betts, who took home the Clemente Award in 2025. Going back further, Justin Turner wore Dodger blue for most of his own community-driven run, collecting the award in 2022 and notching several more nominations. Turner just won another crown, this time leading Tijuana Toros to the Mexican League championship at age 41, proof that the Dodger DNA of giving back – and winning – travels well.

Smith’s 2026 nod shows the Dodgers are still delivering on the spirit of Roberto Clemente. It’s about showing up – at schools, ballparks, hospitals, and anywhere kids may need a boost. When you see a player step into the community like this, it should matter when you’re sizing up his impact, well beyond OPS or catching stats.

Will Smith nominated as Dodgers’ 2026 Clemente Award representative
Catching Hope, Smith’s nonprofit, has led four major community projects this year
Fan voting for the award runs until September 27, season’s end
Winner to be announced at the World Series
Past Dodgers winners include Mookie Betts (2025) and Justin Turner (2022)
Turner also wins Mexican League championship with Tijuana Toros in 2026

What sets Will Smith’s nomination apart?

There’s a lot of talk about what makes a ballplayer truly valuable. In Smith’s case, it’s not just his steady performance behind the plate, but the direct impact he’s having on the lives of kids who need leadership and hope. By running a series of projects that get him out in the neighborhoods – art, clinics, charity events – Smith isn’t just writing checks, he’s getting involved and helping build futures.

The richness of the Clemente Award

This honor doesn’t just reflect who’s charitable – it’s awarded to the player who brings Clemente’s values to life. With a strong history of Dodgers taking it home, you can see why Smith’s name stands out this year. Mookie Betts won it last year; Justin Turner’s trajectory shows how it can define a career. Voters weigh community presence as much as play on the field.

Key takeaways for Dodgers fans and bettors

Will Smith’s nomination underlines his leadership role both on and off the field
The work through Catching Hope this year is a strong showcase for his candidacy
The Dodgers continue their tradition of community-driven success stories
Bettors keeping an eye on intangibles should factor in leadership qualities
Fan voting actually counts, so Dodger supporters can influence the process
Turner’s continued success abroad is another plus for the Dodger legacy
The Clemente Award winner will be announced during the high-visibility World Series
Impact off the field is a factor savvy fans and bettors shouldn’t ignore