Stanton making a difference off the field, too

MIAMI — Giancarlo Stanton captured the imagination of the baseball world in July, when he was crowned the T-Mobile Home Run Derby champion at Petco Park in San Diego. Blasting a Derby-record 61 homers, the Marlins right fielder put on an awe-inspiring display with his prodigious blasts.

At an imposing 6-foot-6, 250 pounds, Stanton certainly stands out in a crowd. But the 26-year-old has a less noticeable public side — and it is reflected in causes he champions off the field. It’s for that community work that the slugger is the Marlins’ nominee for the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award.

Major League Baseball announced the 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.

Beginning on Roberto Clemente Day, fans are encouraged to participate in the new process of selecting the winner of the Roberto Clemente Award by posting any nominee’s voting hashtags to MLB’s official social media accounts, @MLB on Twitter and Facebook.com/MLB. Stanton’s hashtag is #VoteStanton.

A dedicated member of the South Florida community since his rookie season in …

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