These three words: character, charity and Clemente summarizes the life of this former Major League outfielder. Known as “CJ” to his immediate family and close friends, Curtis Granderson was a three-time All-Star and Silver Slugger Award winner who played for seven teams including the N.Y. Yankees and N.Y. Mets. But, for this Chicago native, not only his impact on the field but winning the Roberto Clemente Award in 2016 was one the greatest highlights in his 16 seasons in the big leagues. As the founder of the Grand Kids Foundation and Board Chair of Players Alliance, Curtis’s philanthropic efforts haven’t gone unnoticed and needy children continue to benefit through educational programs, physical fitness and nutritional initiatives.