Inspired by his legacy, Musgrove's impact leads to Clemente Award nomination

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SAN DIEGO -- If anyone on these Padres can appreciate Roberto Clemente’s legacy, it’s Joe Musgrove.

When a young Musgrove was traded to the Pirates early in his career, one of the first people he met in Pittsburgh was Duane Rieder. Located a short walk from Musgrove’s apartment at the time: the Roberto Clemente Museum. Rieder is the museum’s executive director and curator.

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The two quickly struck up a friendship. Musgrove was fascinated by the museum and began spending his free time there. Rieder had invited him to enjoy the museum’s wine cellar -- and eventually Musgrove began inviting teammates. They’d frequent the museum on nights after games.

“I spent a lot of my time there, so many nights after games in his wine cellar, just hearing stories,” Musgrove said. “It felt like such a special place … learning so much about his life and how much he devoted to helping people and making an impact.”

Clemente’s legacy clearly had an impact on Musgrove. Which made Monday’s announcement even more special. Musgrove was honored as the Padres’ nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award, which is presented annually to the player who best embodies the game through sportsmanship, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions both on and off the field.

“The Padres are so good at getting us involved in the community, a lot of the credit goes to them for helping line these things up,” Musgrove said. “But I just enjoy being involved. I’ve done it everywhere I’ve played. And then coming back home, especially getting a chance to do it in your home town, it’s something I feel obligated to do. And it’s something that I enjoy doing.”

Musgrove has been hugely involved in the community -- his home community -- ever since he was traded to the Padres prior to the 2021 season. He’s taken it up a notch this year, while he’s spent the year on the injured list as he recovers from Tommy John surgery.

“That was one of my goals that I set at the start of the year, was to make a bigger impact in the community with the time that I had away from the field,” Musgrove said. “I didn’t know that my schedule was going to be as demanding as it’s been. … But I set this goal out in spring, and I was going to stick to it regardless of the circumstances.”

Musgrove is especially dedicated to the community’s youth and has been active in charities like the Challenged Athlete’s Foundation and the Emilio Nares Foundation. He and the Padres recently funded a playground at the Armed Services YMCA, which provides critical child care and after-school tutoring and mentoring for children from enlisted military families. Last week, Musgrove helped lead the Padres’ surprise bike giveaway at Hancock Elementary School.

Famously, Musgrove once made the trek to Antarctica to break a record for the fastest pitch on the continent -- and he did so for a great cause, raising money for the Challenged Athletes Foundation. With those funds, Musgrove brought three of those athletes -- including 16-year-old Landis Sims, with whom Musgrove has developed a friendship. Sims was born without arms and legs but threw a pitch alongside Musgrove.

And those are only a few of Musgrove’s charitable endeavors. He says this year, more than ever, he’s been quick to the signup sheet when the Padres offer opportunities in the community. For one, he says, it can be tough to be as involved when you’re playing every day, so in a way, he’d like to take some responsibilities off of his teammates’ plates -- while at the same time pursuing something he wholly enjoys.

Then again, Musgrove has been busier than he could’ve imagined this year. Rehabbing players don’t typically spend as much time with their team as Musgrove has. He’s been on nearly every road trip and is with the team in the clubhouse on a nightly basis.

“I think I’ve realized that it’s been a big piece for myself, selfishly, keeping me engaged, and I’m also trying to set an example for guys,” Musgrove said. “I want guys that are playing every day to see a guy that’s hurt and has no chance of seeing the field, still working just as hard, still being the first guy here, still being prepared, still being in meetings, knowing the scouting reports. I think that goes a long way. Without having to say anything or preach to people, I can just work, and maybe they’ll watch that. … So selfishly, it’s for me. But it’s also for the team.”

It was always unlikely that Musgrove would return this season. But still, he’s not ruling it out yet. Musgrove is throwing bullpens every third day, though he hasn’t quite fully ramped up. He’s still holding out hope that he’ll be available to pitch in relief if the Padres make a deep postseason run. And even if he doesn’t return this year -- whether it’s because the Padres don’t make it far enough, or if his arm simply isn’t ready for it -- well, it’s been a worthwhile goal to shoot for.

Whether he makes an impact on the field this season, his impact off of it has been massive.