ST. PETERSBURG, FL — “This is heavy.” 

The words said by a smiling Francisco Lindor—the 2026 Roberto Clemente Award winner—after taking a moment for photos with the son of The Great One Luis Clemente, MLB’s commissioner Rob Manfred and Lindor’s wife Katia while holding his much-deserving hardware Monday night prior to Game 3 of the World Series at Tropicana Field. 

The 32-year-old of Caguas, Puerto Rico, decked out in a Ferragamo tuxedo and bow-tie, a perfect fit for the occasion of becoming the fifth-ever Puerto Rican-born player in MLB history to be named a recipient of the Clemente Award, was announced this year’s winner Monday morning by Major League Baseball. 

Francisco Lindor is the 5th native Puerto Rican to win the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award presented by Capital One ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/3It18bxq8M

— MLB (@MLB) October 27, 2026

“This to me, it’s bigger than baseball in a way. We are in the entertainment business and we are there to bring smiles and joy to people, but to also carry it off the field to me is even cooler,” said Lindor of being named the 2026 Clemente Award winner, 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.

“It’s something that I will forever continue to do. This is not just about the award, just like, ‘Oh, I got it,’ and then that’s it. You know, if anything, it’s just gonna give me a bigger platform, to be honest—to help a little bit more, to provide guidance, to provide a little bit of alleviation to families that are going through certain stuff that we can’t even comprehend at times. Because of what Clemente has done for generations, I get to sit here and bless others, so it’s special.”

Joining four Boricuas who he looked up to and idolized in Yadier Molina (2018), Carlos Beltrán (2013), Carlos Delgado (2006) and Edgar Martínez (2004), along with The Great One Clemente—each paving the way for the next generation of ballplayers out of Puerto Rico to be great, both on and off the diamond—Lindor will now have No. 21 patched on the back of his cap as well as on his helmet with a No. 21 decal for the remainder of his MLB career.  

"To help. To be there. To give back." 🙌@Lindor12BC | #LGM pic.twitter.com/Oes3iDM26Y

— New York Mets (@Mets) October 26, 2026

“Hopefully it inspires another generation. Just like the Delgados, the Beltráns, the Martínez, the Molinas inspired my generation—hopefully this inspires another generation to continue to care for others, continue to love on your neighbors, continue to love, continue to give back,” he said, also becoming the fifth-ever New York Met to win the Clemente Award—Curtis Granderson (2016), Delgado (2006), Al Leiter (2000) and Gary Carter (1989). 

2026 marked Lindor’s fourth consecutive year of being named the Mets’ Clemente Award nominee. 

“Sometimes us athletes can be seen like we’re so far away from the general public, but we’re not. We are in the communities. We are giving back and we are helping. Hopefully, this is gonna give me a bigger platform to continue to help and create better opportunities for people back home. So hopefully the young generation that’s coming up, they’re saying, ‘Man, I would like to be like Francisco a little bit, but like Clemente, because we’re all trying to be like Clemente.’”

With Francisco Lindor being named the 2026 Roberto Clemente Award recipient Monday by Major League Baseball, Capital One donated $100,000 to the SEEN Foundation in honor of the five-time All-Star and two-time LatinoMVP’s milestone – Image Credit: Joel Rodriguez/Latino Sports

Actions speak louder than words, which are the reasons why Lindor was honored and the superstar of Monday’s World Series Game 3 before a pitch had even been thrown between Milwaukee and Tampa Bay. 

Here are just some of Francisco and Katia’s initiatives throughout this season and in years past, all featuring one constant theme—a willingness to dedicate themselves in helping others and giving back to those of need across not just one, but three places of which they consider home: New York, Florida and Puerto Rico—information courtesy of Major League Baseball. 

• — Lindor’s Leaders Program (est. 2026): Launched in partnership with New Balance, this year-long leadership development initiative for students in Bayside High School’s Sports Medicine Program focuses on mental health, communication, teamwork, and leadership. Lindor personally mentors participating students, equipping them with the confidence to lead in their schools and communities.
• — Support for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals: In 2026, Francisco partnered with Dairy Queen and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals for Miracle Treat Day, raising critical funds for local children’s hospitals by donating directly to families in need $1 or more from every Blizzard Treat sold.
• — Transformative Commitment to Education: A proud graduate of Montverde Academy, Lindor has donated more than $1 million since 2020 to build Lindor Hall, a two-story middle school building featuring state-of-the-art science and technology labs. He also established the Francisco Lindor Scholarship Fund to provide financial aid for students, remaining personally involved through mentorship, career guidance, annual PLAY BALL youth events, and equipment donations for the school’s baseball team.
• — Disaster Relief and Advocacy for Puerto Rico: Deeply committed to his native Puerto Rico, Francisco provided essential financial support following Hurricanes Maria and Fiona, restored athletic facilities in his hometown of Caguas, and hosted youth clinics. He continues to partner with organizations including Team Rubicon, the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, Players for the Planet, and Rescate Playas Borinquen for ongoing recovery and environmental conservation.
• — Serving the Queens Community: Through an annual back-to-school initiative with New Balance, Lindor provides hundreds of students each year with backpacks and essential school supplies. Now in its third season, Lindor Smile Tuesdays welcomes youth organizations to Citi Field for educational experiences promoting dental health, wellness, self-confidence, and mentorship.
• — Growing the Game: Passionate about making baseball accessible and inclusive, Francisco regularly participates in the Mets’ Clinic for Champions with Special Olympics Florida and hosts the Lindor Clinic for Kids for local youth leagues and Boys & Girls Clubs.

A ton of Roberto Clemente Award winners together

Carlos Carrasco (2019), Harold Reynolds (1991), David Ortiz (2011), Joe Torre, Francisco Lindor (2026), Rob Manfred, Albert Pujols (2008), Jimmy Rollins (2014), Derek Jeter (2009) and John Smoltz (2005) pose for a photo together… pic.twitter.com/cKJNr3ZLD9

— Latino Sports (@LatinoSports) October 26, 2026

“For me, I love education, and she loves the health side of things. Usually her stuff, it’s more about health. I’m more about education,” noted Lindor of the work behind the scenes for all the results we see come to fruition. 

“She’s the rock. She gets a lot of stuff. It’s a little harder to get stuff to me. But she’s fantastic, and she gets everything that needs to come my way.”

As their three children (Kalina Zoé, 5, & Amapola Chloé, 3, & son Koa Amani, 18 months) were stationed next to Francisco’s parents and loved ones during his special award press conference Monday evening, Katia then voiced her view, speaking on the decisions made to partner and support organizations: 

Francisco and Katia Lindor speak about prioritizing education and health in how they decide to support the organizations they do pic.twitter.com/0kjv5N0Y1w

— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) October 26, 2026

Lindor is a “True Clemente All The Way” 

In a previous Latino Sports interview with Carlos Beltrán, a 2026 Cooperstown Hall of Famer and 2013 Roberto Clemente Award winner, the 49-year-old of Manatí, Puerto Rico had revealed that at one point upon receiving the honor ahead of Game 3 of the 2013 Fall Classic, Vera Clemente, the wife and widow of Roberto who passed away in 2019 had told him that: “Roberto Clemente has to be so proud right now about you, what you have done, what you have accomplished, you and your family.” 

As Lindor was seated in the same chair Monday as Carlos was 13 years ago, what could Roberto and Vera be thinking while watching from above? 

“I hope they’re saying that he deserves it and that I don’t know, it’s a great question,” Lindor said. “I just hope that they’re proud. I hope that they’re proud.” 

Luis Clemente, 60, one of The Great One’s three sons (Roberto Jr., 61, & Ricky, 57), seated next to MLB’s commissioner Rob Manfred voiced his opinion from there: 

Francisco Lindor on winning the 2026 Roberto Clemente Award and his emotional reflection on what The Great One and Vera Clemente would think of him now which follows with one of Roberto’s three sons Luis Clemente chiming in:

“I'm sure Mom and Dad are smiling at you right now… pic.twitter.com/sOnNSyeDgB

— Latino Sports (@LatinoSports) October 27, 2026

“I’ll chime in. I would say that they are extremely honored of who he has become, his actions. As many years ago that we met, I remember at the Roberto Clemente ballpark in Carolina. I have that picture, you were young. You have stayed the same way; your humbleness, your approach is amazing. And I’m sure Mom and Dad are smiling at you right now because they know who you are and so deserving of this award. But beyond the award, they know you will forever stay the same.

I heard you this morning saying the most important thing for you was for your children to understand what life is about and about helping others always, and that’s what matters to you the most. So with that being said, you’re a true Clemente all the way.”

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