World Series Win: 2019 Chevy Traverse Awarded to Youth Baseball Coach
Inaugural Chevy Cares Award presented to coach Mike Van Cleave in on-field ceremony before Game Two of World Series.
Chevrolet presented the inaugural Chevy Cares Award to longtime youth baseball coach Mike Van Cleave, to shine a spotlight on those who dedicate their lives to train, mentor, and invest in youth baseball players in their hometowns. Van Cleave received the award in a special on-field ceremony before Game Two of the World Series at Fenway Park. In addition to the award, Van Cleave was given a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse to support his continued efforts in service of his community.
Van Cleave has been involved with the Clairemont Hilltoppers in San Diego for 50 years. Since joining the Hilltoppers as an 8-year-old player, Van Cleave has served as a coach, umpire and board member.
Van Cleave coached hundreds of Clairemont kids over the past 45 years. Today, Van Cleave is in charge of uniforms and equipment, mows and maintains the fields, attends board meetings, works on schedules and participates in fundraisers in addition to his role as coach.
“Mike goes above and beyond in his selfless dedication to youth baseball and the children on his team and in his community – the commitment and values that he demonstrates through his work are the same that drive all of us at Chevrolet every day to put our customers first and contribute in a meaningful way to the communities where we live and work,” said Paul Edwards, U.S. vice president, Chevrolet Marketing. “We’re proud to honor Mike with the first Chevy Cares Award and a 2019 Chevrolet Traverse – a family vehicle perfect for hauling both equipment and team members to every game.”
Van Cleave was nominated by the Jimmie Johnson’s Kearny Mesa Chevrolet in San Diego for his work with the Chevy Youth Baseball program.
SCORING A HOME RUN: Chevrolet marketing manager Steve Haener (l.) presents Chevy Cares Award to youth baseball coach Mike Van Cleave.
Chevrolet is the Official Vehicle of Major League Baseball and the Official Automotive Sponsor of the Play Ball initiative to support America’s national pastime. Play Ball is a collective effort to encourage young people and communities to participate in baseball- or softball-related activities, including formal leagues, events and casual forms of play.
Since 2006, more than 7.3 million kids have been empowered to play baseball and softball through the Chevy Youth Baseball program. The program sponsors equipment and uniform donations, instructional clinics and field refurbishment.