Philanthropic Grandy a Clemente nominee

NEW YORK — Each day when he trots out to batting practice, Curtis Granderson wears sneakers with a logo on the back touting Grand Kids, his Chicago-based foundation aiming to help youths develop the tools they need to succeed via education, physical fitness and nutrition. The foundation has been the bedrock of Granderson’s community involvement throughout his career.

Since moving to the Mets three seasons ago, only the breadth of Granderson’s philanthropy has changed. While he still travels back to Chicago each year, routinely holding clinics and other events through his Grand Kids Foundation, Granderson has expanded his reach to events in New York City, as well. It’s a significant reason why he is the Mets’ nominee for the 2016 Roberto Clemente Award.

Major League Baseball announced 30 club nominees on Tuesday for the annual recognition of a player who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field. Each club nominates one player to be considered for the Roberto Clemente Award in tribute to Clemente’s achievements and character by recognizing current players who truly understand the value of helping others.

Wednesday marks the 15th …

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