The Branch Rickey Award was given annually to an individual in Major League Baseball (MLB) in recognition of his exceptional community service from 1992 to 2014.
The award was named in honor of former player and executive Branch Rickey, who broke the major league color barrier by signing Jackie Robinson, while president and general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers.
[3][4] A vote is then conducted by the national selection committee, which consists of members of the sports media, previous winners of the award, and Rotary district governors in major league cities.
Many winners, including Todd Stottlemyre,[6] Jamie Moyer,[7] John Smoltz,[8] Torii Hunter,[9] Vernon Wells,[10] and Shane Victorino,[11] worked with children in need.
Bobby Valentine donated money to charities benefiting victims of the September 11 attacks,[13] while Luis Gonzalez worked with survivors of Hurricane Katrina.