PITTSBURGH — Pirates infielder Freddy Sanchez, who withstood a spring training injury to have a second strong season in a row, is the repeat winner of the Roberto Clemente award as chosen by Pittsburgh members of the Baseball Writers Association of America.

The award is given to the Pirates player who best exemplifies the standard of excellence established by Hall of Fame outfielder Roberto Clemente and serves as the club's MVP award. Clemente played for the Pirates from 1955 until his death in a plane crash at age 38 in 1972.

The Clemente award given by Pittsburgh baseball writers is not the same as that presented annually by Major League Baseball to a player based on sportsmanship, community involvement and his contribution to his team.