Gardner nominated for Clemente Award

NEW YORK — Brett Gardner considers himself blessed to put on a Major League uniform each day, having gone from a tiny South Carolina farming town to a college walk-on who eventually saw his name in lights at Yankee Stadium. He believes that it is important to share that good fortune with others.

In recognition of that, Gardner has been selected as the Yankees’ nominee for the 2016 Roberto Clemente Award, the most prominent individual player award issued by Major League Baseball.

• Vote on social media for Roberto Clemente Award

“I think it’s important to never forget where you came from,” Gardner said. “Where I grew up is kind of in the middle of nowhere, pretty much the complete opposite of here in New York City. I think in our communities back home in South Carolina and up here in New York, I think it’s important to keep others in mind that are less fortunate than you.”

The Roberto Clemente Award is the annual recognition of a player from each Major League club who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.

Beginning on Wednesday, fans can vote for the overall winner of the Roberto Clemente Award on social media for the first time by posting hashtags to Twitter (@MLB) and Facebook.com/MLB. Gardner’s hashtag is #VoteGardy, …

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