OAKLAND -- When a teammate, or maybe a member of the television or radio crew, brings his kid to the ballpark, they gravitate toward Nick Swisher.

When Swisher trots out of the tunnel and onto the field, every kid in earshot screams Swisher's name in hopes for a wave, a high-five or an autograph.

Kids absolutely love Swisher, and Swisher loves being able to do what he can to help kids.

Swisher heads up a non-profit charity organization called "Swish's Wishes," an organization that he has founded to help children in any way that he can.

"The youth of today truly are our future, and many of them need a jump-start in life, whether with their health, education, or their self-confidence," Swisher said. "I've been fortunate to have great opportunities come my way, and I want to pass those along so that the kids we reach can have a bright future."

For his contributions, Swisher is being recognized as the A's nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award.

The award recognizes the player who best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual's contribution to his team. It is named in honor of the former Pirates outfielder whose spirit and goodwill will always be remembered. Clemente died in a plane crash while attempting to transport relief supplies to earthquake-stricken Nicaragua on Dec. 31, 1972.

"Swish's Wishes" is designed to assist with vital medical and childhood care, education, recreational activities and other essential programs that will make a difference in a child's life.

It doesn't stop there for Swisher.

While most people are not involved in any charity organizations, Swisher meets the demands of being a professional baseball player and takes part in two charities. He is also an ambassador for the Entertainment Industry Foundation Women's Cancer Fund.

Back in May, Swisher had eight inches of the hair he had been growing for 10 months cut off and donated to Pantene's Beautiful Lengths program, which creates wigs for women with cancer. Swisher liked this idea after his grandmother, Betty, died of cancer in 2005.

"I was pretty excited when I heard about the thing with Pantene," Swisher before getting the haircut. "It's a great cause, obviously, and anything I can do to make life a little easier or happier for someone who has to go through what my grandma went through, I'm all for it.

"My grandmother was my inspiration and strength. She always encouraged me to follow my dreams. It was a difficult time for our entire family as she bravely fought cancer, and there's not a day that goes by that I don't think of her."