Konerko wins Clemente Award for work with foster kids

In his 16 seasons with the White Sox, Paul Konerko did a lot of great things on the baseball field.

Konerko was also a big hit off the field, and the Sox' recently retired captain was recognized for his charitable work Friday by being named co-winner of the Roberto Clemente Award.

Konerko shares the prestigious award with Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins.

Named after the former Pittsburgh Pirates star right fielder, the Roberto Clemente Award recognizes major-league players who best represent the game of baseball through positive contributions on and off the field, including sportsmanship and community involvement.

Konerko — who is the first White Sox player to receive the award — and his wife Jennifer founded the Bring Me Home Campaign in 2007 as a family effort with former teammate Jim Thome and his wife Andrea.

They partnered with the Sox and Children's Home + Aid to help raise awareness, generate support, recruit foster parents and advocate for the needs of foster children and their families.

In its first seven years, the Bring Me Home Campaign has raised nearly $450,000.

“Jennifer and I are truly humbled to receive an award named after such a special player and person,” Konerko said in a statement. “It's also a great honor to share this award with Jimmy Rollins, who is someone I have always respected for his approach to the game. This award caps off what has been a special final season for me.”

Royals claim Sierra:

White Sox outfielder Moises Sierra, who batted .276 with 2 home runs and 7 RBI in 83 games after being claimed off waivers from the Toronto Blue Jays, was claimed by the Kansas City Royals on Friday.

In 180 career games with the Sox and Blue Jays, Sierra has a .243/.296/.383 hitting line with 9 homers and 37 RBI.

The White Sox also outrighted outfielder Michael Taylor to Class AAA Charlotte, making him a minor-league free agent.

The Sox' 40-man roster now stands at 37.