When he was about nine or 10, David Bednar's little league game was visited by a pair of Pirates players at his little league game to sign autographs and meet the kids. It was an experience that the Pirates closer never forgot.
"It's going to make me mad that I can't remember who exactly it was," he said. "I just remember being so pumped up. It didn't even matter who it was. It was just the fact that they were a Pirate and came down and took the time to come to our opening day, which was so cool."
Since coming to the Pirates last year, Bednar has taken an active part in charity events for his alma mater in Mars, Pa. On Thursday, Bednar was named as one of 30 nominees for the Roberto Clemente Award for his work in the Pittsburgh and Mars communities.
"Growing up and being a fan and looking whenever all those guys came and were around the community meant so much," Bednar said at his locker Friday. "Now to be in those shoes and be able to give back any way I can, no matter big or small, just knowing it does make an impact and makes a difference on somebody. Just experiencing this fanbase first-hand, growing up being a part of it and now feeling it, it's a really special place. I'm just really fortunate to be in this position I am."
Bednar's charity work this year ranges from spearheading a donation of baseball equipment for his former elementary school in Mars, Pa., holding a baseball camp to raise funds for his high school's baseball team and taking part in the Pirates Miracle League Fantasy Camp and "Favorite Things" basket raffle.
In July, Bednar and Pirates Charities gave a VIP treatment at PNC Park to a three-year-old named Kayden who is battling Leukemia.
“David being named our Clemente Award nominee has extra special meaning,” Pirates owner and chairman Bob Nutting said in a statement. “Since the day we acquired David in 2021, he expressed a true desire to partner with Pirates Charities to help make a real impact in his hometown. I am very proud of David and how he represents our commitment to make a difference in the lives of others in our community. It is a deep part of who we are as an organization and what Pirates Charities is all about."
The Roberto Clemente Award goes to the player whose charity and humanitarian work best exemplifies that former Pirates legend. The two Pirates who have won the award were Willie Stargell in 1974 and Andrew McCutchen in 2015.
"It's unbelievable," Bednar said. "I think anything associated with the Clemente name and just to be a part of that in the same breath, it's truly humbling and it's really an honor."
The league-wide winner of the Roberto Clemente Award will be selected via a blue ribbon panel, including Commissioner Rob Manfred, MLB-affiliated networks (MLB Network, FOX Sports, ESPN and TBS), MLB.com, as well as Roberto’s children, Enrique, Luis and Roberto Clemente, Jr. A fan vote is also being conducted.
Sept. 15 will mark the 21st Roberto Clemente day. The Pirates are playing the Mets at Citi Field that day.
