Brian Matusz talks about being nominated for Roberto Clemente Award

Orioles relief pitcher Brian Matusz has been very active in the community for several seasons. Today he was named as the Orioles' nominee for the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award.

Prior to Wednesday's game, the Orioles will observe Major League Baseball's annual Roberto Clemente Day and present Matusz his award during an on-field ceremony.

"I'm absolutely honored to be the Orioles' representative," Matusz said this afternoon. "And to be included with the guys in the past that have been nominated, guys like Adam Jones and Nick Markakis that have been nominated. It truly is an honor."

This year, Matusz served as the honorary racae ambassador for the Casey Cares 5K Run/Walk at Oriole Park benefiting critically ill children and their families. The race raised more than $106,000 for Casey Cares.

"As baseball players and athletes, we have the opportunity to reach out to the community," Matusz said. "It feels good to be able to give to the community and see the smiles on kids' faces. To be able to touch kids' lives and peoples' lives in one way or another, that is why we do these things.

"To be able to reach out to the kids and put a smile on their faces, it is just a good feeling. We bring the kids to the field and they get to meet players. To be involved is a special thing. It is a special program that Casey runs, to reach out to these critically ill children. It's just a good feeling."

Matusz also has made frequent visits to the pediatric patients at the Herman and Walter Samuelson Children's Hospital at Sinai Hospital on behalf of the Casey Cares Foundation.

"It's tough. Some of their stories are sad," he said. "That is why we do the program. Give them positives stories and moments they can remember the rest of their lives. It is just something I enjoy doing and something I've done the last couple of years. Meeting with kids on the field and making hospital visits. Just to see the reactions and smiles on their faces is good."

The distinguished list of past Roberto Clemente Award winners includes 16 members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. It is a list that includes the Orioles' Brooks Robinson in 1972, Ken Singleton in 1982, Don Baylor in 1985, Cal Ripken Jr. in 1992 and Eric Davis in 1997.

But Matusz said it doesn't matter whether you are a star player or not. Anyone can give back to their community.

"It doesn't matter what position or role you play on the team. You can still make a difference in peoples' lives. You can still help. Some of the top players in the game are on that list. Great to see that. But there are a handful of guys in this clubhouse that give their time on a weekly basis. It doesn't matter what position or how long they've been in the league. It is always great to see anybody reach out to the community and do what they can," he said.