Brendan Donovan Named Cardinals Nominee for 2025 Roberto Clement Award

BRENDAN DONOVAN NAMED CARDINALS NOMINEE FOR 2025 ROBERTO CLEMENTE AWARD PRESENTED BY CAPITAL ONE

Winner To Be Selected by Blue Ribbon Panel, Including Online Vote for Fans

ST. LOUIS, Mo., September 15, 2025 – Brendan Donovan has been named the St. Louis Cardinals’ nominee for the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One. The award is the annual recognition of a Major League player who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.

As part of the annual program, each MLB Club nominates one player to be considered for the league-wide award in tribute to Clemente’s achievements and character.

“Roberto Clemente set the standard for what it means to be a player who gives back,” said Donovan. “It’s an incredible honor to be nominated for this award, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to support causes that make a difference, especially those that serve our veterans and local communities.”

Donovan has proven himself to be an All-Star not only on the field, but also in the clubhouse and throughout the community. In just three Major League seasons, he has made a lasting impact through a wide range of charitable efforts. His 2025 highlights include:

Supporting Cardinals Care: Donovan actively participates in the annual Winter Warm-Up, donates signed memorabilia for auctions, and sponsors “Donovan’s Dugout,” a Player Ticket Program that hosts groups of children and families for pregame Q&As and tickets.
Backing Big League Impact and Make-A-Wish: Partnering with former teammates Adam Wainwright and Kyle Gibson, Donovan has joined several fundraising events providing essentials like food, clean water, medical care, shelter, and education to communities in need. Alongside his wife, Aly, Donovan annually supports the Wives for Wishes Gala and has participated in granting gameday wishes at Busch Stadium.
Veteran Support: Inspired by his father’s service as a U.S. Army Deputy Commander, Donovan has supported the Veterans Community Project with donations for transitional housing and services. He is an advocate for Team Red, White & Blue, with plans to host a Charity Clay Shoot in April 2026. He also donates time and items to The Kaufman Fund, even filming a promotional video for their golf tournament.
Mental Health Advocacy: This past May, Donovan joined the Mustache May campaign to raise awareness and funds for mental health organizations, particularly those helping veterans with PTSD. He will also meet with veterans and their families during the Cardinals’ September series in San Francisco.
Future Commitments: In October, Donovan will participate in the Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk in Manhattan Beach, CA, benefiting children with special needs, education foundations, and scholarship programs.

In 2024, Donovan was honored with the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award, recognizing MLB players who demonstrate extraordinary support for service members and Veterans.

“Brendan Donovan is an athlete of extraordinary character whose generosity reaches far and wide,” said Michael Hall, Vice President, Community Relations & Executive Director, Cardinals Care. “His dedication to supporting children, families, and veterans reflects the spirit of Roberto Clemente, and we are proud to have him represent the Cardinals as our nominee.”

Today marks the annual Roberto Clemente Day presented by Capital One, which was established by Major League Baseball to honor Clemente’s legacy as a humanitarian and to formally acknowledge Club nominees of the Roberto Clemente Award. As part of the league-wide celebration, the Roberto Clemente Day logo will appear on the bases and official dugout lineup cards, and a tribute video highlighting Clemente and the 30 nominees will be shown in all MLB ballparks as well as on MLB Network, MLB.com, and MLB social media platforms.

The league-wide winner of the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One will be honored at the 2025 World Series following selection by a blue-ribbon panel. This panel includes representatives from the Commissioner’s Office, Capital One, MLB-affiliated networks, MLB.com, the National Baseball Hall of Fame, as well as Roberto’s children, Enrique, Luis and Roberto Clemente, Jr. Fans can vote for the Roberto Clemente Award at MLBTogether.com/clementeaward until Sunday, September 28. The winner of the fan vote will count as one vote among those cast by the panel.

Previous Cardinals to win the Roberto Clemente Award include Adam Wainwright (2020), Yadier Molina (2018), Carlos Beltran (2013), Albert Pujols (2008), Ozzie Smith (1995) and Lou Brock (1975), the most of any MLB club.

— STL —