Seattle Mariners outfielder Nelson Cruz has been nominated for the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award and looks to become the fourth Dominican Major League Baseball player to capture the honor. Each Major League team selects a player for the nomination, with Cruz selected as the representative for the Seattle Mariners. He is also the only Dominican nominated this year. Most of the nominees have been active in their local communities or abroad, with initiatives that include fights against terminal illnesses, the eradication of poverty, promotion of education or improvement in the quality of life.

In September 2016 Nelson Cruz founded the Boomstick23 Foundation. As per its official website, Boomstick23 Foundation is

committed to generating social impact by empowering children and young people in situations of social vulnerability; developing skills and abilities through education and sports to improve the environment and their quality of life.

Cruz has been selected six times to the All-Star Game and since 2009 is the active player with the most home runs.