Twins infielder Eduardo Escobar is one of six major league baseball players who are finalists for the Marvin Miller Man of the Year award.
The award honors players who inspire others to higher level of achievement by their on-field performances and contributions to their communities.
The Major League Baseball Players Association announced the six finalists, chosen by fans on mlbplayers.com. They are Escobar (Twins and American League Central); David Robertson (New York Yankees, AL East); Mike Trout (L.A. Angels, AL West); Steven Matz (New York Mets, National League East); Anthony Rizzo (Chicago Cubs, NL Central); and Buster Posey (San Francisco Giants, NL West).
MLB players will vote for a winner, beginning Sept. 19. The winner will have $50,000 donated in his name to a charity.
Escobar has 19 home runs and 63 RBI this season, playing mostly as a reserve infielder or designated hitter.
Here is his nomination on the players' web site: Eduardo grew up in the Barrio de la Pica, of the Maracay region in Venezuela and has never forgotten where he came from and his family's struggles to provide basic necessities. Now Eduardo gives back through his foundation whose efforts include providing water and food to his hometown and surrounding areas and giving sports equipment to the local youth baseball teams. His giving extends to visiting the local children's hospitals and schools in Minneapolis.