DENVER -- Giving his time and money to causes that touch him personally and benefit San Diego has earned Padres relief pitcher Trevor Hoffman the 14th annual Branch Rickey Award for humanitarian efforts.

Whether it's taking time with children with kidney issues after having lost a kidney as a child, offering help to the military as a tribute to the military service of his father and father-in-law, or giving to hospitals and youth sports programs just because he feels it's right, Hoffman has given.

Created by the Rotary Club of Denver in 1991, the Branch Rickey Award honors individuals in baseball who contribute unselfishly to their communities and who are strong role models for young people. Each year, Major League Baseball teams nominate a player, coach or executive for this nationally acclaimed award. All of the nominees personify Rotary International's motto, "Service Above Self."

The award is named for the late Branch Rickey, credited with breaking the color barrier in the Major Leagues in 1945 when he signed Jackie Robinson to break baseball's unofficial ban on African-Americans and dark-skinned Latino players.

The source of the award also has a personal connection for Hoffman.

"It is an honor to receive an award that represents Branch Rickey's character and contributions to the community," Hoffman said in a statement released by the Padres. "I'm excited to be receiving this award from the Rotary Club of Denver, I have an uncle who was a Rotarian. Their motto is 'Service Above Self' and I am proud to be recognized with this prestigious award."

Hoffman, 40, will go into the Baseball Humanitarians Hall of Fame during a dinner on Nov. 15 at Marriott City Center Hotel in downtown Denver. For more information or to reserve a plate at $200 per person, call the Rotary Club of Denver office at (303) 893-1919. More information on the award can be found at www.branchrickeyaward.org.

Hoffman was chosen by a national selection committee made up of 300 members of the sports media, past winners, baseball executives and Rotary district governors. Former Major League pitcher Dave Dravecky, whose career ended because of cancer in his throwing arm but who has rebounded to become a success in the ministry and in public speaking, announced Hoffman as winner during a press conference at the Denver Athletic Club on Thursday.

"I've talked to several people where his name comes up -- it's always in the positive," Dravecky said. "He's very involved in the community. He's great for baseball. He just comes across as one of those guys that respects the game and loves the game and realizes the significance of the game."

Hoffman started his Minor League career in 1989 and has been with the San Diego Padres since 1993. With 554 career saves, he is the all-time Major League leader. A six-time All-Star, he reached the 30-save mark for the 13th season in 2008, extending his Major League record for 30-save campaigns.

Hoffman also is filling a trophy case of honors for his contributions beyond those on the mound.

In 2005, he received the prestigious Hutch Award, named for baseball great Fred Hutchinson and given to the player who best exemplifies fighting spirit and competitive desire to win. He won the 1999 Padres Chairman Award, and the 2006 Lou Gehrig Award and Teammates for Kids Award. He also has received the Padres' Roberto Clemente Award on six occasions.

The seed for Hoffman's charity work was planted long before he had a career -- even before he could walk. When he was 6 weeks old, he had to have one of his kidneys removed.

Since 1996, he has been deeply involved with the National Kidney Foundation and the San Diego Children's Hospital Nephrology Unit. Children who are undergoing treatment have a chance to be guests in his personal dugout seats at PETCO Park through the Trevor Hoffman Kidney Kids program. He also visits patients of all types at Children's Hospitals, at home and during Padres road trips.

Hoffman provided more than 3,000 tickets for military families in 2002 and 2003 at Qualcomm Stadium. Since PETCO Park opened in 2004, he has hosted military families in his dugout seats each homestand. He also has purchased hot dogs and drinks for all Marine recruits who attended games.

He has donated more than $81,000 to the "Padres Scholars" since 1995; is national spokesman for "Kids First in Sports," which is dedicated to reintegrating sportsmanship into youth sports.

Hoffman and his wife, Tracy, do public service campaigns and have hosted fund-raising events that have resulted in more than $200,000 for the San Diego Family Justice Center to support abused families. He also has done a CD and PSA for the FriarFit and Fun2BFit programs, and donated 100 Sony Playstations to Rady Children's Hospital.

Previous recipients of the Branch Rickey Award are Dave Winfield, Toronto Blue Jays; Kirby Puckett, Minnesota Twins; Ozzie Smith, St. Louis Cardinals; Tony Gwynn, Padres; Brett Butler, Los Angeles Dodgers; Craig Biggio, Houston Astros; Paul Molitor, Minnesota Twins; Al Leiter, New York Mets; Todd Stottlemyre, Arizona Diamondbacks; Curt Schilling, Diamondbacks; Bobby Valentine, New York Mets; Roland Hemond, Chicago White Sox; Jamie Moyer, Seattle Mariners; Tommy Lasorda, Los Angeles Dodgers; and last year's winner, John Smoltz of the Atlanta Braves.