Mets LHP Steven Matz was the team's candidate to receive the 2018 Roberto Clemente Award, the MLB announced on Tuesday.

The award recognizes "the player who best represents the game through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions." And Matz certainly fits that bill when it comes to his "Tru32" initiative.

Matz, who began the initiative back in 2016, honors 32 NYPD, FDNY, and military members every Wednesday home game by inviting them to Citi Field as his guests. He take pictures, signs autographs, and spends time with them before they watch the game that night.

"I have a lot of respect for those guys," Matz told MLB.com's Anthony DiComo back in 2016. "They risk their lives to keep our community safe. I just really appreciate them for that."

All 30 clubs have one representative for the award with the winner eventually selected by a blue ribbon panel committee in October. The committee includes those like MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, MLB Goodwill Ambassador and Clemente's late wife, Vera, and those from MLB.com and MLB networks.

"I am very proud of the great philanthropic efforts of our players," Manfred said in a released statement. "Through wide-ranging work and actions, these 30 nominess honor Roberto Clemente's legacy of being exemplary community ambassadors. Roberto's unwavering humanitarian spirit continues to inspire our players and fans and serves as a positive example for future generations."

The 2017 Roberto Clemente Award winner was Cubs 1B Anthony Rizzo.

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