Davis Martin Nominated for MLB’s Roberto Clemente Award

CHICAGO, IL — Former San Angelo Central star Davis Martin has already made his hometown proud by making it to the major leagues.

Now the Chicago White Sox pitcher is being recognized for his work off the field.

Martin is his team’s nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, which is bestowed annually to the player who best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field.

To read about each team’s nominee and vote on the award, click here.

Here’s what Martin’s bio says about why he was nominated:

“As the longest-tenured player on the roster, Davis Martin has embraced Chicago as his new home. This connection is evident in his success at Rate Field, where he owns one of the American League’s lowest home ERAs and recently became the first Sox pitcher since Mark Buehrle to win nine consecutive home decisions. Guided by his faith, family and belief in investing in young people, Davis is equally passionate about helping others feel at home in their communities. Through hands-on involvement and charitable efforts, he dedicates his time and energy to creating opportunities for children and strengthening organizations serving neighborhoods most in need.

“Davis' deepest community involvement is with White Sox Amateur City Elite (ACE), the organization’s long-standing initiative dedicated to growing the game among African American youth. Beyond making a personal financial contribution to support the program, he has become a trusted mentor, building relationships with student-athletes while offering guidance to players and coaches. Whether collaborating with ACE players on custom Players' Weekend cleats or simply making himself available to listen and encourage, Davis is committed to helping young people feel supported and empowered. This season, he joined ACE athletes in volunteering at HelloBaby, a nonprofit providing early childhood programming and family resources, where they worked side by side in the center’s outdoor garden to support local families and reinforce the importance of service.

“Davis' commitment to improving opportunities for children also extends to Mobile Care Chicago, where he participated in the ribbon-cutting celebration for the organization’s new dental clinic at DJ Brooks Head Start Center. Funded through a White Sox Charities grant, the facility expands access to quality dental care for children and families facing significant barriers to treatment. By lending his time and platform to the initiative, Davis helped shine a spotlight on an investment that will improve health outcomes for thousands of Chicagoland residents. He treated the Head Start Center’s staff to a suite experience on an Aug. 8 game vs. Cleveland. 

“Davis and his wife, Jenna, also funded and hosted an ice cream social for dozens of youth participating in summer programming at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago’s Bartlett J. McCartin Club. The visit built upon an ongoing connection to the Club, which earlier welcomed the 29-year-old Davis and several teammates for the unveiling of a White Sox-branded Art Makerspace funded through a $125,000 White Sox Charities grant. Today, the expanded space serves more than 100 youth from 27 Chicago ZIP codes, creating new opportunities for creativity, learning and personal growth. The couple also visited the Senior Suites of Bridgeport in early June for a special afternoon of bingo, conversations and prizes for the senior community members. 

“While much of his community impact is centered in Chicago, Davis' commitment to service reaches beyond the city limits. During the 2026 season, he partnered with West Texas Rehabilitation Center to raise more than $70,000 in support of children and adults receiving physical, occupational and speech therapy services throughout West Texas. Grounded in his Christian faith, Davis has embraced every opportunity to use his platform to serve others and encourage kindness, humility and generosity.

“Whether mentoring ACE student-athletes, supporting children's health initiatives or helping nonprofit organizations expand their reach, Davis Martin approaches every opportunity with authenticity, compassion and a genuine desire to make a difference. He continues to prove to his teammates and the wider organization an unparalleled investment not only in the success of the team but also in the people and communities it represents. His dedication reflects the spirit of Roberto Clemente, demonstrating that true impact is measured by a lasting commitment to uplifting others and strengthening the place one calls home.”

Martin, who graduated from Central High School in 2015, led the Bobcats to the regional quarterfinals for the first time in program history. He went 9-1 with a 0.29 ERA and 116 strikeouts.

He then helped Texas Tech reach the College World Series before he was drafted by the White Sox in 2018. He broke into the majors in 2022 but missed the entire 2023 season due to Tommy John surgery before returning in 2024 and earning a spot in the starting rotation last year.

He is 9-7 on the mound this season with a 3.96 ERA and is a big reason why the White Sox are in first place in the American League Central Division with 11 games left in the regular season.

He is one of only three Central graduates — along with David Hulse and Trey Lunsford — to play in the majors.