The Roy Campanella Award was created 15 years ago to honor the memory and career of Roy Campanella who rose from the Negro Leagues to become a Dodger Legend. The former catcher became an eight-time All-Star as well as a three-time NL MVP before a tragic car accident ended his playing career.
The award which Turner won for the third time in four years, voted upon by all uniformed personnel with the Dodgers, is awarded annually to the player who best embodies the spirit and leadership of the Hall of Fame catcher. Turner was previously awarded the honor in 2017 and 2019. Himself, along with Chase Utley (2016, 2018), and Clayton Kershaw (2013-2014) are the only players to receive the award multiple times.
Justin Turner, the Dodgers' Roberto Clemente Award nominee, is the winner of the team's annual Roy Campanella Award for the third time in four years. https://t.co/XoDZm9w48H
— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) September 26, 2020
Campanella’s daughter, Joni Campanella Roan, will present Turner the award through a video message before Saturday night’s game.
Over the course of Turner’s tenure with the Dodgers, he has blossomed into not only one of the best hitters in the league but a leader in the clubhouse. There’s no doubt that his veteran presence has an impact on and off the field. Thus far on the season, the 35-year old is batting .310 with 4 home runs and 23 RBIs in 40 games. Turner’s production becomes even more valuable for the organization during the postseason as he usually leads the way with a career .310 batting average with 9 home runs and 35 RBIs. That kind of output will be expected from the vet as the Dodgers try to win their first title since 1988.
