Cleveland Indians: Carlos Carrasco and his great work off the field

Cleveland Indians pitcher Carlos Carrasco fell short of winning a recent award, but his work off the field still means a lot to so many people.

It is easy for Cleveland Indians fans, and fans of any team for that matter, to forget that the players we cheer for have lives off the field.

And while some players gives fans joy on the field, others strive to make lives better off the field.

The 2018 Roberto Clemente Award was given to Yadier Molina this evening. The veteran spent time down in his native Puerto Rico helping out after the devastating hurricane that left so many without supplies, food or even a place to live.

It was a truly noble act and lived up to the legacy of Robert Clemente.

Each team had a nominee for the award and the representative for the Indians was Carlos Carrasco.

Here is a brief description of the work he has done, as shared on MLB.com:

"Despite his busy schedule, he has made time to participate in baseball clinics for kids in Dominican Republic, Venezuela and Tampa, especially those from low-income families. Carlos has personally led multiple holiday toy drives for at-risk kids throughout Tampa Bay and Venezuela. Carlos also coordinates free legal assistance for immigrants. Every Thanksgiving and Christmas, Karry prepares meals for the homeless and visits the Children’s Cancer Center, bringing presents to uplift children’s spirits."

Carrasco also sent supplies to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, adding to the list of all the things he has done.

The best thing about the Roberto Clemente Award is that being nominated and not winning isn’t a bad thing. Being named a nominee makes it clear that one’s work off the field is seen as significant and that a difference is being made in the lives of individuals in need.

Carrasco has also come across as extremely humble and hearing about all his great work shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone.

The Indians had a disappointing season, but it is refreshing to know that fans are cheering for players, like Carrasco, who are doing great things off the field as well.