The Seattle Mariners are in the middle of one of their most promising postseason pushes in years.

With 12 games left in the season, the Mariners have sole possession of first place in the American League West for the first time since 2001 — the last time the franchise won the division and the year they made a run to the American League Championship Series. Seattle has won a season-high nine-straight games and three-straight series entering Monday.

Off the field, many of the Mariners have continued to play a significant role in the community. And the longest-tenured player on the roster was recently recognized for his work in the community.

Shortstop J.P. Crawford was named the team's representative for the Roberto Clemente award, which is annually given 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," according to the award description on MLB.com.

The award is named after the Pittsburgh Pirates legend and National Baseball Hall of Famer, who was known for his philanthropic efforts, including building a sports center for kids in his native Puerto Rico.

Crawford has been with the M's since 2019, and has been one of the most active players on the roster in community outreach.

Crawford was one of the founding players supporting the invention of Seattle's Hometown Nine program, which helps support underserved youth in Seattle and hosts softball and baseball camps. The first Hometown Nine class had 100% graduation rate and featured three softball college commits and one baseball commit.

Crawford also works with long-time Mariners broadcaster Rick Rizzs for the latter's Rizzs Toys For Kids Foundation, which helps provide assistance to toys and families in need.

In addition to those aforementioned programs, Crawford works with the Seattle Angels, which serves girls in foster care, the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Team Okanogan Animal Rescue, the Mariners Care Foundation and more.

Three Seattle players have won the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award in the past: Harold Reynolds in 1991, Jamie Moyer in 2003 and Edgar Martinez in 2004. 

Fans can vote for the Roberto Clemente Award at this link: