INQUIRER Sports

NEW YORK ? New York Yankees captain Derek Jeter was named the winner of Major League Baseball's Roberto Clemente Award for 2009 on Thursday for his combination of on-field success and community service.

The American shortstop was a major reason why the Yankees reached their 40th World Series this season and are playing defending champion Philadelphia in quest of a 27th title in the best-of-seven championship final.

Jeter was presented with the award before game two of the World Series at the new Yankee Stadium, where the Phillies took game one 6-1 on Wednesday.

Jeter's Turn 2 Foundation, which bears his uniform jersey number, supports programs that help youth overcome drugs abuse.

Clemente was a Hall of Fame outfielder with the Pittsburgh Pirates who died 18 months before Jeter was born. Clemente was killed in a 1972 plane crash while taking supplies to Nicaraguan earthquake victims.