San Francisco, CA (My Sportsbook) - Cleveland Indians first baseman Jim Thome won the 2002 Roberto Clemente Award, which recognizes outstanding playing ability and a strong work ethic in the community.

Thome, who will be honored by MLB commissioner Bud Selig at Game 3 of the World Series on Tuesday, is the first Indians player to earn the honor.

The free-agent Thome has spent his entire 13-year career in Cleveland, which is scheduled to begin negotiations with him on a new contract. With 52 home runs this season, Thome is the club's career home run leader.

John Hancock, which sponsors the award, will donate $30,000 in Thome's name to Roberto Clemente Sports City, a sports and education center in Puerto Rico.

The financial company will also donate $25,000 to the Steve Palermo Chapter of the National Paralysis Center in Leawood, Kansas in the name of Thome's nephew, Brandon Thome, who broke his neck while diving into a swimming pool this summer and remains paralyzed from the waist down.

Off the field, Thome serves as honorary co-chairman of the United Way Softball Slam, which raised almost $200,000 over the past six years. Thome also holds charity events at the children's hospital in his hometown of Peoria, Illinois.

For the past five years, he and his wife Andrea have delivered toys to youth groups that serve disadvantaged kids.

The award began in 1970 and was renamed three years later for Clemente, who died in a plane crash while delivering supplies to Nicaraguan earthquake victims. Recipients have to exemplify sportsmanship, community involvement and value to their teams.

Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Curt Schilling received the 2001 Roberto Clemente Award.