The 2009 Clemente Award Nominees

I believe it is so important to acknowledge the many wonderful contributions our baseball players make to their communities. I wish the media would focus more on this side of baseball but alas, this usually is not the case.

Roberto Clemente is my favorite baseball player of all time. His heroics on the field alone warrant my love, but the fact that he lost his life on December 31, 1972, while en route to deliver aid to earthquake victims in Nicaragua, brings my love to a whole other level.

He was one of the first athletes, in any sport, to understand that he was given the gift of having a voice strong enough to empower people and make a difference. Clemente inspires me daily in my work with both UNICEF and the Global Network.

I'm inspired by the humanitarian work of these players listed below and hope that when you read this list of the nominees' philanthropic contributions (it is a mighty lengthy one), you will be inspired as well, and be reminded that there is a lot of good in this world.

And don't forget to vote for who you think is most deserving of the 2009 Clemente Award.

The Nominees:

Arizona Diamondbacks - Doug Davis

When the Arizona Diamondbacks traded for Doug Davis in 2007 they not only received a solid pitcher to add to their starting rotation, they received a player who would have an incredible impact on the Arizona community.

During the last week of Spring Training in 2008, Davis was dealt a serious blow when he was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. He did not let this setback break his commitment to the team as he still made his first two starts of the 2008 season. His second start was just two days before his surgery to remove the cancerous thyroid. Within two weeks of the surgery, Davis was back at Chase Field, playing catch and taking batting practice with his team. He was determined not to let the cancer take away his season. After being declared cancer-free, Davis made his third start of the season on May 23, just six weeks after surgery. He did not just make that start, he dominated it, pitching seven innings and only allowing five hits and one run in an 11-1 D-backs victory.

In response to an overwhelming amount of support from D-backs fans who wanted to help after Davis' diagnosis, Davis and the Arizona Diamondbacks created the "49 Fund" in honor of Davis' wish to raise money for childhood cancer. Named after Davis' No. 49 jersey, the program raised over $26,000 from people wishing to make donations of 49 cents, $4.90, $49, $490 and $4,900. All the funds raised benefitted St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center's Comprehensive Cancer Center. This center provides extensive health and social services for children with various types of cancer and their families.

In September of 2008, the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation dedicated Doug Davis Field in Camp Verde, Ariz. as part of the 'Diamonds Back' Field Building program. The program has built or refurbished 29 baseball fields throughout Arizona since 2000, enabling thousands of children the chance to play on quality baseball and softball fields. Davis generously donated $50,000 to the program and his field.

Davis has been involved with various charitable endeavors throughout his professional baseball career. Always eager to serve the community, Davis has participated in his teammates' fundraising activities and has visited numerous hospitals and schools. In 2008, Davis made a commitment to making a difference in the community by funding and creating his own non-profit organization. The Doug Davis Foundation was established to assist children with medical, social and family needs.  Davis hosted a golf tournament in 2008 as the Foundation's first official fundraising event, raising over $30,000 for St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center and the Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center.  

In 2009, Davis was introduced to the Miracle League of Arizona through teammate Dan Haren.  The Miracle League focuses on removing barriers that keep children with mental and physical disabilities off the baseball field and enabling them to fully enjoy America's pastime.  Haren and Davis recruited teammates to attend a fundraising event that netted over $22,000 for the Miracle League in August of 2009.  Davis has also committed the proceeds from his 2009 golf tournament that will be held in December to the Miracle League, with a goal of raising at least $50,000.

Through his ability to overcome obstacles with dignity, his dedication to his team, and his commitment to bettering the community, Doug Davis truly embodies the spirit of the great Roberto Clemente.


Baltimore Orioles - Nick Markakis

Nick Markakis has emerged as one of the bright young stars of the Orioles and the Baltimore community. The Right Side Foundation (www.RightSideFoundation.org) is a non-profit organization started by Nick and his wife, Christina, earlier this year.  It is a Maryland based organization and its mission is to help improve the lives of distressed children throughout the State of Maryland.  Nick is also very supportive of the Orioles Charitable Foundation and he has agreed to donate $75,000 per season to the Orioles Charitable Foundation to assist with its philanthropic giving.

The foundation was just launched in April of 2009.  It has already instituted a regular program named "Fun for 21" where Nick, who wears uniform number 21, and Christina treat 21 children from an established Maryland non-profit to an experience. The first "Fun for 21" event involved the Maryland Ronald McDonald House and Nick and Christina treated the children to a day of games and lunch at the local ESPNZone restaurant followed by a VIP visit to the National Aquarium. A second "Fun for 21" event is slated to take place in September of 2009.

On August 16 the Right Side Foundation will host its first fundraiser, a 5K Race and 1 Mile Family Fun Walk in Baltimore's Patterson Park. Over 400 runners are expected to take part in the first year of what will be a wonderful annual event.

Nick and Christina regularly donate their suite at Camden Yards to a Maryland-based youth group. Since the foundation was established this has occurred over a dozen times and the program will continue in 2010.  

Recently Nick and Christina attended a program with the Orioles at a Baltimore City school.  The program used baseball as a tool to teach the kids and Nick was on hand to demonstrate and have fun with the children.

As a recently married couple with a baby boy they are looking to grow their foundation, continue to be a large part of the Orioles Charitable Foundation and all it does and partner with strong local and national non-profits such as Ronald McDonald House, Boys and Girls Clubs and the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation.

Nick also served as the team spokesperson for the MLB campaign, 'Going to Bat Against Breast Cancer' program. Nick, whose mother survived breast cancer, was part of a celebrity panel that took part in voting for 'Honorary Bat Girl' winners. He participated in the pre-game ceremony honoring the team's "Honorary Bat Girl."

The Orioles and Nick also joined with the Prostate Cancer Foundation to promote prostate cancer awareness. Nick was the Orioles' representatives for the Home Run Challenge.

In 2008, Nick participated in the OriolesReach Ticket and Game Day Experience Program, where children from underserved areas in the region were able to attend an Orioles game for free thanks to player contributions. Orioles Reach is a program that provides a game ticket, transportation to and from the game, a hot dog, soda and an Orioles hat and t-shirt to underprivileged children.

Nick is one of the rising stars in baseball and he has made philanthropy a priority.  Nick is always willing to assist the team with community outreach efforts and his new foundation will continue to grow and become a force in Maryland in the years to come.


Boston Red Sox - Kevin Youkilis

Kevin Youkilis learned how to play the game of baseball the right way, but he was also taught from an early age the importance of giving back to the community.

Kevin Youkilis Hits for Kids was founded in August 2007 by the Red Sox infielder and his wife, Enza. Hits for Kids works to rally individual and corporate support for grassroots organizations that focus on the health and well-being of children throughout the greater Boston area. The mission of the organization is to make a positive difference in a child's life by channeling the time, energy, passion and financial support of the greater community; to identify and provide philanthropic assistance to charitable groups that have a clear need for outside support and that devote their resources to the well being of children; and to fund programs which provide medical assistance, medical research, education, community service and advocacy for children's needs.  

Over the past two years, Hits for Kids has impacted the lives of over 1,000 children and raised nearly $2 million through charitable events and programs. Kevin has partnered with organizations on issues that are close to his heart, such as premature child-birth, early childhood literacy and teen suicide prevention.  

Kevin is more than the Founder of Kevin Youkilis Hits for Kids - he is out in the community on a daily basis making a difference. He attends board meetings, emcees events and is not only an attendee of community events, but an active participant. Kevin is always willing to roll up his sleeves and get involved and he has been a motivator, visionary and someone that everyone can relate to when he shares his story.  

In addition to extraordinary programming in the community, Hits for Kids also hosts several fundraising events each year, including: Crackin' It Up - an evening of game-show entertainment, an annual Golf Classic to benefit Christopher's Haven, an annual Anniversary Party at downtown Boston restaurants with live and silent auctions and Red Sox Idol - an evening that includes carnival games, sit-down dinner and American Idol style entertainment.  In addition, Kevin has signed tens of thousands of dollars worth of merchandise to help raise funds for his charity.  

Since its inception, Hits for Kids, has been able to provide various services to meet the needs of children.  They include:

• The donation of a state-of-the-art computer lab to the Nativity Preparatory School

• A book drive at Fenway Park to raise 100,000 books used to rejuvenate inner-city school libraries

• Holiday parties with a tree lighting ceremony and visit from Santa for organizations supported by Hits for Kids

• A Hanukkah party hosted by Jewish Big Brother Big Sister

• A large-scale birthday party for homeless children hosted by Birthday Wishes

• Holiday presents and gift cards for children at the Italian Home for Children, Christopher's Haven, Birthday Wishes and the Nativity Preparatory School

• A fundraising brunch for Christopher's Haven - an organization that houses family members of children being treated for cancer at Massachusetts General Hospital

• A two week stay at overnight camp for 20 boys and girls in conjunction with the West Suburban YMCA

• Establishing a reading group for kids of all ages at the New England Mobile Book Fair to support children's literacy

• Hosting a bowling and pizza party in Dorchester, MA for over 150 children

Kevin has established a number of outside avenues to raise money for Hits for Kids, including his own candy bar, the "Yoouukk!" Bar, a Kevin Youkilis edition of Curious George Goes to the Ballgame, SauvignYoouuk Blanc wine and a CD that includes hits from top-selling artists to be released in 2010.  

In the spring of 2009, Kevin and Hits for Kids partnered with the March of Dimes to raise over $20,000 to fund research to prevent premature childbirth.  He also partnered with Raising a Reader Massachusetts to raise over $125,000 to help provide low income families with the tools and resources they need to encourage literacy from an early age.  Kevin also teamed up with the Riverside Trauma Center to raise money and awareness about teen suicide prevention with their "Striking Out Teen Suicide" event.  This event was created after a Boston suburb lost five high school students to suicide in five years. Kevin spoke to an audience of family and friends who had lost loved ones and shared his story (Kevin lost three friends to suicide) in an effort to make a difference.  

Kevin is committed to remaining present in the community even during the off-season.  He  hosts pizza dinners with children from local reading groups.  On Halloween, Kevin trick or treats at a local children's hospital and has spent every Christmas morning visiting patients at Boston Children's Hospital.  

In 2006 Kevin introduced his ticket program, "Youk's Kids" and has continued the program each season.  Kevin purchases 10 tickets to one game per month during the regular season.  The program enables children from area non-profit organizations to attend games.  Not only do the kids get to enjoy a game at Fenway Park, but they have the opportunity to arrive at the ballpark early to meet Kevin prior to batting practice; the meet and greet includes autographs, photos and a goodie bag.  

Kevin continues to be one of the Red Sox leaders in community appearances.  He spends time campaigning for the Jimmy Fund. He meets Jimmy Fund patients visiting Fenway Park, the Red Sox Spring Training home in Fort Myers and various road cities.  Kevin also makes appearances at Red Sox Foundation fundraising events, including the Welcome Home Dinner and Picnic in the Park. He has personally donated a batting lesson experience which was auctioned off at the Red Sox Foundation's Picnic in the Park for the last three years.  Kevin also supports the Make-A-Wish Foundation and other local wish granting organizations by fulfilling children's wishes throughout the regular season.  Kevin also generously donates packages that include four Red Sox tickets and a meet & greet with Kevin to local non-profit organizations who in turn auction them off to raise funds.  To date, Kevin has donated twenty of these packages for the 2009 season.

Kevin touches the hearts and minds of children and adults both on and off the field.  This is evident by the awards he has received in the Community: 2007 BoSox Club's Man of the Year, 2007 Jackie Jensen Award for spirit and determination by the Boston Baseball Writers Association of America, 2007 Joslin Diabetes Center Honoree, 2008 Good Sports "Good Sport in Sport" Award Recipient, 2008 Christopher's Haven Honoree, 2008 Jackie Jensen Award by the Boston Baseball Writers Association of America.

On the field Kevin is a two-time All-Star, a two-time World Series winner, a 2007 Rawlings Gold Glove winner, 2008 Hank Aaron Award winner and a member of Team USA at the World Baseball Classic.  In 2008, Kevin finished 3rd in the American League MVP voting as conducted by the Baseball Writers Association of America.


Chicago White Sox - Jim Thome

Jim Thome is a fan favorite at U.S. Cellular Field and in the community. He is currently involved with Children's Home + Aid of Illinois, which reaches nearly 40,000 children and families throughout the state of Illinois each year through a wide range of services like adoption, foster care, education, counseling and child abuse prevention programs.

Jim and his wife Andrea, along with teammate Paul Konerko and his wife Jennifer, are also spearheading the "Family Champions for Family Champions" program. The program is focused on building awareness and support for foster care, and dedicated to promoting a positive perception for the needs of foster children and families in Illinois.  

Jim also continues to be intimately involved with Children's Hospital of Illinois in Peoria. Jim and Andrea host the annual "Joyce Thome Benefit" dinner in honor of Jim's late mother. He also hosts an annual golf tournament in Peoria benefiting the hospital and makes regular visits to child patients.

Jim began his partnership with Children's Home + Aid in April of 2007. Jim and the organization also announced the start of the "Bring Me Home" fundraising campaign in May of that year, and have continued both programs through this season. The campaign invites fans to be part of "Team Thome-Konerko" by donating to the Children's Home + Aid cause through various sponsorship levels, including a contribution based on the number of runs Thome and Konerko score during the season. Jim and Andrea generously, personally have donated $40,000 since the program's inception. He also filmed public service announcements promoting foster care, hosted foster families at White Sox spring training and games throughout the season and staged "Grand Slam Parties" for foster families in the off-season.

Throughout his involvement with Children's Hospital of Illinois in Peoria, Jim and Andrea have raised more than $1,250,000 for the hospital over the past 14 years.

Both the Thome and Konerko families also have been active in lobbying legislators in the state of Illinois and on the federal level in support of foster care. Their advocacy played a role in increased funding for "relative foster care" and foster family programs.

Jim was the White Sox selection for the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association Heart & Hustle Award in 2007. The award was created in 2005 and is voted on by former Major League players and presented annually to a current player who demonstrates a passion for the game of baseball and best embodies the values, spirit and tradition of the game.

Jim was chosen as The Sporting News "No. 1 Good Guy" in Major League Baseball in 2005 for his fundraising efforts in his native Peoria, Ill. He also was the recipient of the 2005 Lou Gehrig Memorial Award, presented annually by the Phi Delta Theta fraternity to the Major League Baseball Player who best exemplifies the giving character of the Hall of Famer. The award was first presented in 1955 and is permanently maintained at the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, N.Y.

He is involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, granting wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses. On several occasions in December, Jim has dressed as Santa Claus and visited hospitals and non-profit agencies, purchasing and distributing toys for child patients.

Jim has a street named after him in Peoria and purchased a scoreboard for his high school baseball field.

Since 2004, Jim and Andrea have served as honorary board members on the Tug McGraw Foundation, which helps offer quality of life and research opportunities to people suffering from brain tumors. The couple has been title sponsors and are actively involved with Fieldstone Farm/The Therapeutic Riding Center in Cleveland, a facility that helps mentally and physically challenged people with horses and riding.

The couple has substantially supported the following organizations in the Cleveland area for the past five to seven years: NearWest Theatre (an inner-city youth theatre group), The Cleveland Foodbank and Adopt-A-Greyhound. They recently became capital donors to the Cleveland Clinic's new "Health and Wellness Fund" and Facility. Jim has a personal relationship with the head of the clinic, who oversees the allocation of the Thomes' three-year commitment at $50,000 per year.

Jim also is involved with Garth Brooks' Teammates for Kids, serving as one of the organization's "Touch 'Em All" teammates.

Jim was the 2002 recipient of the Roberto Clemente Award. With the honor, John Hancock Financial Services made a $25,000 donation in his name to the Steve Palermo Chapter of the National Paralysis Foundation in Leawood, Kan. Jim's nephew, Brandon, is currently unable to walk after bruising his spinal cord in June 2001.

Named the Marvin Miller "Man of the Year" in 2001 by the MLBPA for his numerous efforts in the community, Jim served as honorary co-chairman of the United Way Home Run Derby from 1998-2002. The program has helped raise approximately $200,000 for United Way youth programs since 1996.

Jim participated in the First Energy Grand Slam Summer Literacy Program with Andrea, and served as the team's honorary captain for CapCure for Prostate Cancer Awareness in 2001. He and Andrea also have made significant contributions to the Maternity Care Coalition and Easter Seals.

As members of the Phillies organization, Jim and Andrea on many occasions donated their suite at Citizens Bank Park to charitable organizations in the Philadelphia region. Jim started a new program in 2005 with the Philadelphia Food Bank called "Home Runs For Hunger" in which donations were made to the Food Bank based on his home runs. At the April 18 press conference, he presented the Food Bank with a check for $25,000.

In addition, he served as 2003 Chairman of the Phillies Phundamentals after-school programs for inner city children. Jim was named 2003 Pro Athlete of the Year and 2004 Media Good Guy, both by the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association.


Cleveland Indians - Jhonny Peralta

Jhonny donates his time and money with a number of local charities. One is LakeShore Day Camp, which serves children with special learning needs and their families  throughout the year.

Through a happy, non-competitive relationship with other campers and a caring staff, each child has an opportunity to realize her/his potential.

Jhonny is also very involved with the Special Olympics, which contributes to the physical, social, and psychological development of the athletes. Through successful experiences in sports, they gain confidence and build a positive self-image which carries over into the classroom, home, job and community.

Jhonny and his wife Molly are regular participants in the Cleveland Indians Community Outreach Department's "Shop with a Pro" program, which is part of the Cleveland Indians Charities (CIC). Through fundraising, CIC provides the opportunity to jointly create and execute youth educational and recreational opportunities. These programs help young people learn to play the game of baseball, develop necessary life skills, learn responsibility, and develop confidence to face today's hurdles. Since 1989, CIC has donated more than $6.0 million to youth-oriented agencies and organizations of Northeast Ohio. CIC has established relationships with several local organizations that focus on youth education and youth recreation. In addition, Jhonny was the Cleveland Indians High Achievers Kids Club spokesperson last season and participates in special Meet-and-Greets at the ballpark.
 

Detroit Tigers - Curtis Granderson

2009 All-Star centerfielder, Curtis Granderson, is sometimes known as the "nicest guy in baseball," and he has the community credentials to support it. He is mainly affiliated with the Grand Kids Foundation, a not-for-profit organization established by Curtis in 2008. The Grand Kids Foundation was created to focus on improving opportunities for inner city youth in the areas of education and youth baseball. Through a variety of yearly events, sponsorships and donations, the Grand Kids Foundation enforces educational initiatives among youth and helps bring the sport of baseball back to the nation's inner cities.

Curtis is also affiliated with the Detroit Tigers Foundation. The Detroit Tigers Foundation aids in the development and funding of innovative programs to enhance lives through the game of baseball.  Curtis is an avid supporter of the signature program of the Detroit Tigers Foundation, Play Baseball Detroit.  Play Baseball Detroit is a comprehensive urban youth baseball outreach program dedicated to encouraging and supporting youth baseball and softball programs in the greater Detroit community. The multi-faceted program features an equipment collection, school rallies, youth clinics and a competitive tournament to encourage and develop the young athletes of our city into the baseball stars of tomorrow. Curtis resonates the message of Play Baseball Detroit through school rallies and the equipment collection program, Gloves for Kids. 

As the son of two educators and one of only a few Major League Baseball players with a college degree, Curtis is committed to making education the focal point of his message to the world's youth. It is his passion, principles and vision that lead to the creation of the Grand Kids Foundation. In addition to founding and serving on the board of this charitable organization, Curtis attends fundraisers throughout the year to raise funds supporting the cause of the organization.

Curtis is an advocate for education and youth year-around through the Grand Kids Foundation and the Detroit Tigers Foundation using the game of baseball as a vehicle to reach children. His exemplary passion and commitment to education is evident in his work as the spokesman for the Detroit Newspapers In Education partnership. Since 2007, Curtis has reached more than 227,000 students in more than 2,830 classrooms through a unique educational and literacy supplement distributed throughout the state of Michigan.  Including the Detroit Newspapers In Education program, Curtis has visited more than two dozen schools speaking to students since 2007. His advocacy of education goes beyond visiting with students in the classroom. The Grand Kids Foundation has awarded $60,000 in grants to various programs and schools throughout the state of Michigan, including a $17,000 grant to Guy Houston Stadium in Flint.  The Stadium is an all-purpose community complex that houses athletic and academic functions for students in the Flint Public School system. In fall 2009, the Grand Kids Foundation will be coordinating a back-to-school backpack and school supply giveaway to students of the Detroit Public School system. 

Additionally, Curtis is a supporter and judge of the Detroit Tigers Jackie Robinson Art, Essay and Poetry Contest. After learning about the challenges Jackie Robinson faced as the first African American to play Major League Baseball, middle school and high school students are encouraged to express their thoughts and feelings about those challenges through art and writing.  Curtis participates in the selection of the contest winners and joins the winning artists and writers during a congratulatory pre-game ceremony on the field at Comerica Park.    

Curtis' compassion for working with youth extends beyond the classroom as he continues to share his enthusiasm of the game with baseball with fans around the world.  Since the inception of Play Baseball Detroit in 2008, he has visited with more than 1,400 youth in the city of Detroit encouraging all to get involved or stay involved with organized youth baseball.

With the help of Curtis, Play Baseball Detroit, a comprehensive urban youth baseball outreach program dedicated to encouraging and supporting youth baseball and softball, has impacted more than 9,500 youth in the greater Detroit community. Curtis also serves as the spokesman for Gloves for Kids, a baseball and softball equipment collection program that provides underprivileged youth in the Detroit area the opportunity to enjoy the great game of baseball.  With the additional assistance from Curtis, the amount of equipment collected more than doubled in one year providing nearly 3,000 pieces of equipment to over 600 children in Detroit. 

Continuing his quest to share his love of the game as a Major League Baseball Ambassador, he has visited Europe, South Africa and China to promote the game of baseball to thousands of fans overseas. 

His efforts to share his passion for baseball with his local community as well as the world make him a champion among all baseball fans. 

Additionally, Curtis promotes and encourages donations to the Grand Kids Foundation in lieu of appearance fees and endorsement deals including Nike, Louisville Slugger and Rawlings.  Through these efforts, the Grand Kids Foundation has raised approximately $145,000 since inception in January 2008. 

Curtis was recently honored as the 2009 Michigan Chronicle Man of Excellence. In 2008 he was inducted into the C.A.T.C.H., Sparky Anderson's Charity for Children Hall of Fame and was nominated for the Branch Rickey Award. Curtis is also an honorary member of the Golden Key International Honor Society.

Curtis is also an advocate for the homeless and unemployed through his support of the Coalition on Temporary Shelter and Goodwill Industries of Greater Detroit. 

As a young All-Star, Curtis already serves as a role model for youth world wide both on the field and off the field with his commitment to education and youth baseball.  His efforts as a humanitarian reach baseball fans of all cultures as he transcends racial lines also making him the best role model in Major League Baseball today. 


Kansas City Royals - Mark Teahen

Mark is involved in a number of community outreach efforts, but his main focus is with the Challenger Division of Little League Baseball.  The program is administered in the Kansas City metro through the YMCA of Greater Kansas City.

The Challenger Division of Little League Baseball was created in 1989 to remove the barriers that keep children with mental and physical disabilities off the baseball field.  To help young athletes, the Challenger Division features a "buddy" system and pairs each player with an able-bodied partner.  In addition, the fields are custom-designed using a synthetic turf that accommodates wheelchairs and other assistive devices.  The Challenger Division is about making new friends, building self-esteem and being treated just like other kids!

Mark has served as spokesman for the local Challenger Division of Little League Baseball since October 2006.  Although he was still a young player looking to establish himself in the Majors, he wanted to take advantage of his visible role in the community to help make a difference with this wonderful program.

To support the Challenger League, Mark created his own offseason fundraising event - "Challenge Your Fashion."   Mark goes far beyond just lending his name to the event, as he is instrumental in the planning by selecting the venue, calling on his teammates to participate, soliciting sponsors and securing auction items (including once-in-a-lifetime experiences with Mark and his teammates).  He also returns to Kansas City prior to the event to appear on local TV and radio stations to promote both the fundraiser and work of the Challenger program.

Mark's event, which has raised more than $275,000 in just two years, has become the signature fundraising event for the local Challenger program.  The 2010 "Challenge Your Fashion" event is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 16.

However, his Challenger work is not limited to his charity event.  In fact, he works with the organization throughout the year by taking part in other fundraising activities, such as an event he hosted last September 2008 at a local Cold Stone Creamery in which fans received free ice cream for donating to the league.  In addition, Mark even presents awards at the annual end of the season celebration held at Kauffman Stadium.  He always takes time to get to know the kids and encourage them - building memories the youngsters will always treasure.

Throughout his relationship with the Challenger program, Mark has participated in a groundbreaking event for the complex, hosted baseball clinics with proceeds benefiting the charity and attended other Challenger fundraisers.  It's also not a surprise to the Challenger kids and their families to see Mark stop by one of their games for some special encouragement. 

He is always thinking of ways to further support the cause, and more importantly, the children and families who are part of the Challenger program.

While Mark has focused most of his efforts on the Challenger Division of Little League Baseball, he continues to be active in a number of other community outreach efforts.

The 27-year-old has donated his time to the Royals AbilityCAMP, a free interactive baseball camp for kids with physical or developmental disabilities coordinated in partnership with the National Sports Center for the Disabled, on several occasions. 

Mark has also served as an instructor for Royals youth instructional clinics and shared some of his baseball knowledge during the club's Youth League Day at Kauffman Stadium for the past two seasons.  He also annually participates in broadcaster Ryan Lefebvre's Gloves for Kids, an autograph event which raises money to purchase gloves and other baseball equipment for disadvantaged children.

Off the field and away from baseball-related charities, he has participated in the club's Operation Blessing event to distribute food to the needy in the Kansas City community and took part in a new element of the annual Royals Wives Food Drive this spring by visiting a local grocery store to sign autographs for patrons who donated non-perishable items for the drive.

Teahen also supports the Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Foundation and granted the wish of a child with a brain injury through the Make-A-Wish Foundation in 2007.  He has served as team spokesman for various Major League Baseball initiatives, including the 2008 Prostate Cancer Foundation Day, and can always be counted on to welcome terminally or chronically ill children from The Dream Factory who visit each Wednesday home game. 

Mark is a regular supporter of the club's fundraising events such as Diamond of Dreams.  He also spends part of his offseason by appearing at the club's annual Royals FanFest event, which raises more than $100,000 annually for Royals Charities.

While Mark Teahen is known for his great instincts on the baseball diamond, it is his instinctive nature to reach out to others that makes him such a special part of the Royals family and Kansas City community.

What separates Mark from his peers is his willingness to spearhead a project and be proactive in support of a cause.  While many athletes and celebrities will lend their name to a charity, Mark puts his entire heart into making a difference.  For his "Challenge Your Fashion" event, for example, Mark was instrumental in the planning and execution of all the behind-the-scenes work. 
The son of educators, Teahen is an unassuming man who uses his unique role as a baseball player not only to help those facing difficult challenges, but also to influence others to do the same.

With his quick wit, boyish grin and huge heart, Mark has a special way of making others feel comfortable and special and is wonderful influence on his teammates.

Mark is a pleasure to work alongside and is a great ambassador for the Kansas City Royals and Major League Baseball.  While baseball players often serve as role models for their young fans for their on-field heroics, Teahen embodies what a great athlete should be off the field as well.


Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim - Torii Hunter

Angels Outfielder Torii Hunter has been very active in the community throughout his Major League Baseball career, something he has continued with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

In 2008, Torii partnered with the Angels Baseball Foundation and Magical Builders to construct a youth softball field in Placentia, just 5 miles from Angel Stadium which will serve as a home for the Angels RBI softball program, as well as providing a place for local children to play.

Torii has also partnered with the Heart of a Champion Foundation and the Angels Baseball Foundation in instituting his "Torii Hunter Project Educational Initiative" that will provide college scholarships and character development curriculum to students in California, Arkansas, Nevada and Minnesota.

Torii has been very active in the MLB Breaking Barriers program honoring the legacy of Jackie Robinson and hosted Amanda West, national winner of the Breaking Barrier's essay contest to an Angels game which included a pregame recognition on the field. 

Other community involvement by Torii includes supporting the MLB Urban Youth Academy in Compton, participating in a clinic for inner city children as part of Orlando Hudson's Around the Mound program, support of the Big Brothers program, Angels team representative for the Prostate Cancer Foundation's MLB Home Run Challenge and assisting the Make a Wish Foundation by participating in visits by children in the program at Angel Stadium.

Hunter is a past recipient of the Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award presented by the MLB Players Association for both on-field achievement as well as service to the community. 


Minnesota Twins - Joe Mauer

Joe Mauer was born and raised in St. Paul and continuously gives back to the Twin Cities community.

Joe names the "Friends of St. Paul Baseball" as his charity of choice, and it is an organization that helps improve baseball facilities for youth in St. Paul. He and his family host an annual fundraising golf tournament for the group each year. The tournaments have raised more than $30,000 for St. Paul youth ballparks.

Joe also supports the Mentoring Partnership of Minnesota, a coalition of youth mentoring groups. He acts as a spokesman for the organization in public service announcements and hosts more than 2,000 mentors and mentees at one game each season. In association with Qwest, $100 is donated to the Mentoring Partnership on Joe's behalf for each of his runs batted in.

He also acts as a spokesman and mentor to the MLB Players Association's Action Team.  In partnership with Volunteers of America, the Action Team enlists high school students to recruit others to volunteer in their community.  Joe meets with Action Team members and mentors them on their outreach work.

Joe established a community ticket program called Mauer's Minnies, providing Twins game tickets to thousands of economically disadvantaged youth from Minneapolis and St. Paul. Since 2005, 25,000 youth and their families have attended a Twins game for free because of Joe's generous contributions.

Joe is also the team's player representative for the Prostate Cancer Foundation.  In that role, he spearheads the Twins' players' efforts for the Major League Baseball Homerun Challenge, which raises funds to fight prostate cancer.

In addition to the charitable work mentioned above, Joe spends countless hours signing autographs at TwinsFest and Autograph Party, helping to raise more than $280,000 for the Twins Community Fund. He has also taken part in the Minnesota Twins Winter Caravan, spending four days traveling the Upper Midwest to visit with community groups and Minnesota Twins fans.


New York Yankees - Derek Jeter

Derek Jeter, captain and shortstop for the New York Yankees, doesn't underestimate for a moment the power he has as a sports figure to influence young people. As the driving force behind the Turn 2 Foundation, Jeter satisfies his passion for guiding kids in the right direction.

Jeter established the Turn 2 Foundation in 1996. A lifelong dream of his, the Foundation was formed as a mechanism for giving back to the various communities that are a part of Derek's life including West Michigan, Tampa, Florida and New York City. Since its launch, the Turn 2 Foundation has awarded more than $10 million in grants to create and support signature programs and activities that motivate young people to turn away from drugs and alcohol and "TURN 2" healthy lifestyles. Through these ventures, the Foundation strives to create outlets that promote academic excellence, leadership development and positive behavior.

Turn 2 is managed on a day-to-day basis by the Jeter family with Derek in a hands-on role as Founder. In addition to contributing his own funds, Derek hosts his annual Derek Jeter Celebrity Golf Classic in Tampa, Florida and the Turn 2 Foundation Dinner in New York City to raise capital needed to successfully continue his many signature programs including; Jeter's Leaders, Turn 2 Us Healthy Lifestyles, Turn 2 After School, Turn 2 Baseball Clinics, Proud To Be Me, Turn 2 Smart Moves, Holiday Express, and the Turn 2 Endowed Scholarships.

Recently, the Turn 2 Foundation donated $500,000 to launch the Derek Jeter Academy at Phoenix House in Tampa, Florida, an outpatient counseling center for troubled teens combining individual and family substance abuse treatment.

In addition to his commitment to his own foundation efforts, Derek also lends his time in support of several public service announcement campaigns and various other non-profit organizations that support youth nationwide and abroad. He has had his words and life lessons published in 2000 in the New York Times best-seller, The Life You Imagine and in 2002 in You're a Star (Spanish and English version). In recognition of his out¬standing continued community service, Derek has also received several awards including: the Joan Payson Award (1997); the Roberto Clemente Award (1998); Los Niños Image Award (2001); the Sporting News Good Guy in Sports Award (2002); the Michigan Association of School Administrators Champion for Children Award (2005); and several awards for his philanthropic focus on the prevention and treatment of adolescent substance abuse. Over the past 13 years, Derek Jeter has been recognized by Presidents, Governors, and Mayors for his philanthropic efforts.


Oakland Athletics - Kurt Suzuki

The Wilhite Recovery Fund, created by Kurt and Renee Suzuki, was founded immediately after the April 9, 2009 car crash that took the lives of one of baseball's own, Angel's pitcher Nick Adenhart, along with close friends Henry Pearson and Courtney Stewart. Jon Wilhite, the lone survivor, suffered from injuries that required an operation to reattach his skull and spinal column after a rare separation. Wilhite is currently undergoing speech, physical and occupational therapy, which will leave him with over $1,000,000 in medical bills, not the least of which could amount to the emotional loss Wilhite, Kurt and all of Major League baseball endured on that tragic day in April. This tragic crash is close to the heart of Kurt because Wilhite is a close friend and former teammate from the 2004 Cal State Fullerton baseball team.

Not only did Adenhart's death affect the lives of Kurt and Wilhite, but it caught the hearts of many in and around Major League Baseball.

Although Kurt Suzuki is just a small part of the Oakland Athletics' payroll and earns nearly a third per year of what Jon Wilhite has accumulated in medical bills, such limitations did not stop Kurt from opening his heart. Kurt has made a strong effort to help his close friend, in creative fundraising events including a three-day silent auction at Cal State Fullerton in May and through an on-line auction on the A's website during the month of June that raised $20,000 through the sale of new and game-used autographed memorabilia from players and coaches around Major League baseball. In addition, Jon was honored at the Coliseum as the Suzukis' guest and received a rousing ovation from the crowd when he threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the July 18, 2009 game against the Angels. Funds were raised during that game through the sale of over 450 "mystery" A's autographed baseballs, a silent auction and A's Community Fund donation. In two months, Kurt and Renee have helped raise over $50,000 for Wilhite.

"As a professional athlete, I have the resources and opportunity to host these fundraisers and I only hope that the money we raise will alleviate some of the costs that Jon and his family are being faced with during his long rehab process," said Suzuki.

In addition to Kurt opening his heart and lending a hand to his dear friend, he participates in A's Community Fund events such as FanFest, Breast Cancer Awareness Day and Dinner on the Diamond. He has appeared at local schools on behalf of the A's Home Run Readers and "Mathletics" programs, rewarding children for their academic achievements. This year Kurt will be awarded the Dave Stewart Community Service Award, an annual award that recognizes an A's player's charitable contribution during the season. In addition, San Francisco Chronicle writer Susan Slusser has already mentioned that Kurt is most likely the recipient of the "Good Guy Award," given annually to an A's player by the San Francisco chapter of the BBWAA.

Kurt was the A's second round draft pick out of Cal-State Fullerton in 2004 and made his Major League debut in 2007. As of August 6, he has started 281 of A's 339 games behind the plate since Jason Kendall was traded on July 16, 2007. He leads all American League catchers this year with 89 games started, a career-high 23 doubles and five stolen bases and is tied for the lead among AL catchers with 45 RBI and ranks second with 43 runs scored and 98 hits. He set a career-high this season with eight home runs, had a career-best 84-game errorless streak, which was the sixth longest errorless streak by a catcher in Oakland history and leads AL catchers with a .997 fielding percentage. In 2008, he led the A's in batting, hits, hit by pitches and multiple hit games while tying for the lead in games played.


Seattle Mariners - Miguel Batista

Throughout his baseball career, Miguel Batista has been active in the communities he has played in and in his native country, the Dominican Republic. In 2003, he was named the No. 1 Good Guy in Major League Baseball by The Sporting News for his contributions off the field.  In addition to his community work, he is a published author with his novel "The Avenger of Blood" and became the first Latin American pro player to ever publish a book of poetry with his book titled "Sentimientos en Blanco y Negro" ("Feelings in Black and White"). 

In addition to his efforts during the baseball season, Miguel has used his off-seasons for community service by traveling throughout the United States and Latin America to deliver baseball equipment, medical supplies, and speak to kids of all ages to stress the importance of education and determination. In 2007, Miguel partnered with Medicines For Humanity and Fundacion Samaritana to deliver more than $40,000 worth of medicines to victims of the storms Olga and Noel in the Dominican Republic. He also traveled to Ecuador where he helped remodel the Duran baseball field so children had a place to play baseball.  In 2008, Miguel traveled to Columbia to deliver gifts and motivational speeches in the regions of Sincelejo, Monteria, Barranquilla, and Cartagena. In 2009, prior to Spring Training, he delivered sports equipment and medical supplies to local hospitals in the Dominican Republic.

In 2007, Miguel's first season with the Seattle Mariners, he partnered with the Page Ahead Children's Literacy Program to promote the Mariners Care Book Drives at Safeco Field. Miguel filmed a public service announcement to help encourage fans to bring new books to the ballpark for children in need through the Page Ahead Children's Literacy Program, a non-profit organization that puts new books in the hands of at-risk children throughout Washington State. With Miguel's help, $36,750 in books and cash donations were collected for Page Ahead.

In 2008, Miguel partnered with the Washington State Library to help promote reading for all Washington residents through the "Washington Reads" program. As part of the program, Miguel was featured in a series of celebrity posters that were distributed to various venues across the state including schools, libraries, stores, and Washington State parks, ferries, and driver's licensing offices. Miguel's poster was the first highlighting a book written in Spanish.

During Miguel's 2001-2003 seasons in Arizona, he generated relationships with the Native American communities and committed $50,000 to become the first player to build a baseball field on tribal land.  The field was dedicated on August 5, 2003, in Sacaton, AZ.  Miguel also made visits to six different tribes, slept in their housing, ate their food, and relayed the teachings of his Carib Indian grandmother.

Miguel has also been active with the Major League Baseball Players Trust, the charitable foundation of the Major League Baseball Players Association, and their community programs including Buses For Baseball, Action Teams, and Medicines For Humanity. Through the Buses For Baseball program, Miguel hosts underprivileged youth at a Major League Baseball game and visits with the kids prior to the game. Miguel has also teamed up with the Volunteers of America and the Action Teams to encourage local high school students to volunteer in their communities and help recruit and train a new generation of volunteers. 

Miguel is also involved with Mariners Care, the Seattle Mariners non-profit foundation, and its programs including the Mariners D.R.E.A.M. Team school assembly program, an elementary school assembly program that stresses the importance of education to help achieve your dreams.


Tampa Bay Rays - James Shields

James is a major supporter of the Progress Energy Heart Gallery of Pinellas and Pasco County in Florida. The organization's focus is to provide an emotionally safe way to connect children with families through a traveling exhibit featuring the faces and stories of local foster children ready for adoption.

James has been involved with this charity for the past 3 seasons. Each year he takes time to shoot a public service announcement (PSA) for them which runs on the cable system throughout the Tampa Bay region for the entire year. The foster kids that are a part of the PSA are invited to a Rays game as his guests. James and his wife host the charity at the stadium for a night at the ballpark. During this night the Heart Gallery has a foster child to throw out the first pitch, pre-game on-field presentation, and foster children participant in being the honorary bat kid, starting the game by saying "Play Ball", and singing the 7th inning stretch. They give Heart Gallery a suite to host their guests for the game. James provides autographed items to the charity for their fundraisers.  James also supports the events he is not able to attend by taping messages for them to play in his absence.

James also supports the Rays Baseball Foundation by participating in the fundraising events. He has golfed in the annual tournament and donated pitching lessons for the broadcast auction. 

James is providing funds to help the foundation rebuild a youth baseball field in Bradenton, FL. The field needs new dugouts, fencing, leveling of playing field, and paint.  The Bradenton RBI is one of the teams which use the field. Once the field is completed James will host a clinic for the kids.

James brings his leadership skills off the field and into the community by supporting the Heart Gallery and Rays Baseball Foundation. He gives 100% when he has committed to a project and follows through on his part. The response we get back from the community is priceless. The work he has done not only creates new Shields fans but Rays fans.
 

Texas Rangers - Michael Young

Michael Young and his wife, Cristina Barbosa-Young, have been actively involved with "Wipe Out Kids' Cancer" since the 2002 season. Wipe Out Kids' Cancer is a non-profit organization whose mission is to wipe out kids' cancer through innovative research, education and treatment, while providing hope to children affected with cancer.  Founded by Cindy Brinker Simmons in memory of her mother, the late and great tennis champion Maureen "Little Mo" Connolly Brinker.  

Michael and Cristina have hosted the Wipe Out Kids' Ambassadors to a Texas Rangers home game, providing tickets, food, souvenirs and a private meet and greet as well pre-game field presentation. WOKC partners with the Children's Medical Center of Dallas and selects special children to represent WOKC in different fundraising events over the year and the primary purpose of the program is to allow the children a chance to just be kids and forget about their cancer treatments. Meeting Michael and Cristina as well as attending the Rangers game is one of the highlights of the year.

In 2005, Michael helped furnish the outpatient physical therapy room at Children's Medical Center, providing much needed equipment. In 2006, he began the Young Heroes Scholarship program and awarded four cancer survivors at $2,500 college scholarship as well as a laptop computer. In addition, he also awarded six other survivors a $1,000 college scholarship. In 2007, Michael awarded six survivors a $2,500 scholarship and four survivors a $1,000 scholarship and each a laptop computer and printer for school. This season 2009, Michael awarded 21 survivors a $2,500 scholarship as well as a laptop computer and printer.

He has continued to host the Ambassadors for Ambassador night at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington as well as the Scholarship Recipients and their families for a fun filled evening of a personal meet and greet, goody bags, pre-game field presentation, dinner followed by the Rangers' game.

This off-season Michael also contributed over 300 jackets to youngsters of the Trinity River Mission this winter. Michael also sent one of the young cancer survivors he has befriended to spring training with his family (father, mother and brother) providing them a four day stay with hotel, car rental, Rangers' game and spending money. The young man and his brother suited up in their own Rangers' uniforms and spent the day with Michael for batting practice, in the dugout for a few innings as well as throwing out the first pitch for that day's game. Michael along with several other teammates hosted a young man from the "Make A Wish Foundation" for a special game last season to include his own locker in the clubhouse, uniform and spending time with him as well as Ian Kinsler and Josh Hamilton. Michael also has served as the honorary chairman of the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation's largest fundraiser, Park Place Dealerships Triple Play and is very involved in the Foundations' efforts making a substantial donation to the Foundation each season. He also donated $10,000 to provide uniforms for youngsters participating in the Dallas RBI program this year.

In 2006, Michael was selected to receive the "Little Mo" Award by WOKC and was selected as the MLBPA Marvin Miller Man of the Year in 2008 and also received the Texas Rangers Jim Sundberg Community Award.

Michael also actively participates in the Major League Players Association Buses for Baseball and Action Team Programs. The Buses for Baseball program brings underprivileged youth to a Rangers game with pregame meeting with players. The Action team is actively recruiting the next generation of volunteers. He was also selected as the recipient of the 2003 Harold McKinney Good Guy Award by the Baseball Writers Association.


Toronto Blue Jays - Vernon Wells

Vernon's involvement with the Jays Care Foundation resides in a variety of different capacities. Through both a donation and time to the Foundation he will assist them in their goal of donating $1 Million dollars back into the community this year to help children in need. Vernon alone has pledged a $1 Million commitment to Jays Care when he signed his contract extension in 2006.

Since 1992, the Jays Care Foundation has been empowering children and youth in need, inspiring them to make positive choices and helping them realize their dreams by providing access to programs that support physical activity, education, and life-skill development. In 2008, the Jays Care Foundation invested more than $550,000 into programming that supports physical activity, education and life-skill development for children in need. In 2009, the Jays Care Foundation is hopeful to invest a full $1 Million dollars back into the community.

The Foundation sustains two major fundraising events, The Curve Ball and Charity Golf Tournament, which combined will generate more than $500,000 in revenue for the Foundation in 2009. These funds are invested into such programs as Field of Dreams, Grand Slam Grants, Home Run Scholars and the Rookie League Program.

A spokesperson for Jays Care's signature fundraising events, Vernon is on-hand to assist in any way he can to help raise as much funds as possible for the charity. Vernon and his wife Charlene continue their efforts to support Jays Care outside of the park as they have personally have bought and delivered 1,000+ book-bags, back-to-school supplies and other health and hygiene items to children benefiting from the Jays Care programming.

For the past seven seasons, children in Toronto's Community Housing projects have benefited from access to a free baseball camp through the Jays Care Foundation Rookie League program. As Honourary Commissioner, Vernon gives of his time over the eight-week summer program to encourage youth towards healthy lifestyles, positive life choices and a commitment to self. Over the last two year, Vernon has personally provided the funding to supply all of these children with a new baseball glove of their own. He's also been behind the donation of t-shirts and lunches for these children throughout the program.

In 2008, Vernon and Charlene founded the Perfect 10 Foundation to support and protect children in need. The foundation supports non-profit organizations that provide general welfare for children. Motivated by chilling statistics of child abuse and homeless youth; together, their ultimate goal for the Vernon Wells Perfect 10 Foundation is to open a general residential operation for children. The facility will also offer short term shelter for children displaced by Child Protective Services.

The Perfect 10 Foundation supports such charitable organizations as the Jays Care Foundation; The Moyer Foundation; Wipe Out Kids Cancer; Shelter from the Storm; and, The Salvation Army. Each offers an outlet for Vernon to extend his desire to help any child who isn't fortunate enough to currently have a healthy family lifestyle.

Vernon is also an active participant in much of the Toronto Blue Jays Community Relations programming. Through the Jays@School program, Vernon has visited with hundreds of students within the Toronto area to speak of the importance of staying in school, working towards your goals and just simply never giving up. His warm, honest and open style, along with inspirational stories, makes him a favourite of students and teachers alike.

A constant role model, Vernon has also run the field with hundreds of students at the Blue Jays annual Everyone Belongs! T-ball tournament for children with special needs. Teaching them, encouraging them and cheering them on, he sets an example to his teammates and fans alike that everyone should have a chance to play the game of baseball. Vernon and Charlene have also taken time from their schedule to visit with children at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children and participate in the Hospital's Reading Room program.


Chicago Cubs - Ted Lilly

Since signing a four- year contract with the Cubs in December of 2006, Ted Lilly has the second most wins by a left-handed pitcher, as well as being one of only five lefties to amass double digit win totals in each of the past six seasons. However, it is Ted's work away from the pitchers mound that has proven to be most helpful.

Ted has embraced Chicago since his arrival and has put forth numerous efforts to do what is necessary to help the residents of the Windy City. Ted made a five figure monetary contribution to a Chicago Cubs designated charity that supports youth sports, children with special needs, victims of domestic violence and charities in the Lakeville/ Wrigleyville community. He also participates in a number of team fund-raising events such as Meet the Team, Have a Ball and the annual Cubs Convention.

Ted has helped out in many different areas including donating his time, money and items to both the Sheil Park Playlot Renovation Project which raises funds to renovate the Sheil Park Playlot in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago and to P.A.W.S Chicago, which is the city's largest no-kill humane organization focused on alleviating Chicago's pet homelessness problem.

Ted's generosity does not stop there, he has a tremendous passion for helping the Chicago areas youth.  He regularly visits patients at the Children's Memorial Hospital as well as participating in fund raisers to benefit the hospital.  Furthermore Ted has participated in the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois by spending time with children who visit Wrigley field.

 
Cincinnati Reds - Aaron Harang

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Aaron Harang is a big presence on the mound as well as in the community. The 6"7 right-hander has made a big impact since joining the foundation Miracle League in 2007, specifically in the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region. The Miracle League is made up of communities across the country that sponsor baseball programs for children with disabilities and believes that every child deserves a chance to play baseball.

Currently more than 60 Miracle League complexes have either been completed or are underway across the United States.  Each complex features special amenities, including a safe and softer rubberized surface that allows for easy access for wheelchairs and walkers and that helps prevent rainouts that are common on dirt infields.  Also, parking, vehicle access, ADA accessible restrooms and flat, covered dugouts are also a part of the Miracle League formula. This innovative program offers athletes the chance to have fun, as well as participate in an organized league. Every effort is made to create a "true" baseball experience with minimal changes.

In 2007 Aaron was the Reds nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award and donated the Chevy $7500 gift to Miracle League as well as matching it with his own donation. At the Reds winter fan fest called "RedsFest," Aaron and his wife Jen made a surprise donation of $50,000 to the project. The following spring, they participated in a ground-breaking ceremony and in May of 2009, also participated in the ribbon cutting event and met with many families whose children will play on the special field. Aaron continues to be a champion for the Miracle League project by meeting with potential donors and providing his input and passion for helping children with special needs.

Besides his work with Miracle League, Aaron has sponsored "Aaron's Aces" ticket program. It is designed to provide a temporary relief from the stresses of war on families. The program targets families who have one active duty person currently serving overseas or recently returning from deployment. In addition to the 30 game tickets at each Sunday home game, Aaron provides a personal meet and greet with each family prior to game which includes autograph and photograph opportunities, concession vouchers and custom-made autographed Aaron's Aces t-shirts.

Aaron also has recently become involved with StarShine Hospice of Cincinnati Children's Hospital. StarShine supports the families of terminally ill children within their own homes. StarShine serves every terminally ill child and family in Ohio who request their services, regardless of the family's ability to pay. 

Aaron is always willing to do what it takes to help out a good cause.  Aaron is involved with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and is the 2009 Reds nominee for Marvin Miller Man of the Year award as well.


Colorado Rockies - Aaron Cook

Aaron Cook is what many would call a "quiet assertive leader" on and off the field. You see this in his performance for his team every fifth day of the rotation as the Rockies' ace and as a member of the 2008 All-Star team. However, what many do not see is what Aaron does for the community when he is off the mound.

Aaron and his wife Holly wanted to find a way to show their appreciation to the brave men and women in the armed forces, so they launched the "Tickets for Veterans" program where they reserve 4 seats behind home plate for designated games specifically for the use and enjoyment of our Colorado veterans.

In spring 2008, a devastating tornado hit the small town of Windsor, Colorado damaging hundreds of businesses and homes, including the town's baseball facility. Wanting to do something for the children who were so greatly impacted by the loss, Aaron asked club officials how he could help. Consequently, Aaron made a substantial donation towards the rebuilding of a new baseball facility, which was fittingly named "Aaron Cook Field."

Aaron also understands that a person's time is just as meaningful in helping our community. When an opportunity exists, he makes it a point to visit and speak to the sick children at our local Children's Hospital in hopes of bringing some joy to their day.

He also participates in the Colorado Rockies "Make A Difference" program where he voices his desire for children to make good choices like staying in school, refusing drugs, avoiding bullying and getting involved in community activities.

Last but not least, Aaron is a leader to his teammates in the clubhouse. He is known to have a caring demeanor and is always there with a spiritual word of advice when needed.


Houston Astros - Hunter Pence

Though his baseball career is still young, Hunter Pence is wise beyond his years when it comes to understanding the additional responsibilities of a Major League Baseball player. A product of the Astros farm system, Pence has watched other Astros leaders that have come before him - Jeff Bagwell, 2007 Roberto Clemente Award Winner Craig Biggio and Lance Berkman. A student of the game, Pence has learned from these men and chosen to make an impact both on and off the field.

In just two plus seasons in the big leagues Pence has become a fan favorite. His hard-nosed, team-first, throwback style has endeared him to teammates and fans and his approachable manner has provided a personal connection to many fans, young and old alike. As he has quickly become an integral piece of the Astros championship aspirations Pence has also willingly taken an active role in team activities off the field.

Prior to the 2009 season, the Astros sought out two players that would serve as the team's season-long Play Green™ Ambassadors. In the process of determining who might be good fits for the program, Pence volunteered himself for the position. He has remained active all season, participating in the building of a green Habitat for Humanity home, recording a Play Green™ recycling commercial, meeting with high school students working on various environmental projects and helping to plant trees.

Pence's participation in the new Adopt-A-Firehouse program was an instrumental part of its success. He along with eight team members "adopted" the firehouse that corresponded with their uniform number. More than just a photo opportunity, Pence spent time talking to the firefighters, learning more about the work they do and thanking them by signing autographs, taking pictures and presenting the house with a framed, autographed, No. 9 Hunter Pence jersey.

What may actually be most impressive is the way in which Pence conducts himself every day. Not a single game goes by where Pence doesn't take it upon himself to interact with fans. He will walk over to the stands to sign autographs. He will always spend extra time during batting practice interacting with fans who are taking part in a special BP visit because of their extraordinary circumstances. No one needs to request his time, he proactively gives it. His desire to take a few moments for other people is genuine, it is consistent, and it is who he is.

Pence is most certainly growing into the role of Major League Baseball star as evidenced by his peer's voting him in to his first MLB All-Star Game in 2009. He has also quickly grown into the role of leader when it comes to humanitarian efforts off the field.


Los Angeles Dodgers - Orlando Hudson

Orlando Hudson plays the game of baseball with a fun loving passion, and this shows through in his attitude both on and off the field.  Orlando has long been associated with caring generosity, and has donated countless hours and money to giving back to the community.
Orlando is committed to bringing autism awareness nationwide. An active volunteer for organizations which provide autism research advancement, Hudson created C.A.T.C.H (Curing Autism through Change and Hope) Foundation, to provide resources and a support system for youths coping with autism. The C.A.T.C.H. Foundation has served youngsters with autism through their annual Autism Walk, Strike Out! Bowling Fundraiser, Homerun Holiday Christmas Gifting Ceremony and providing local organizations and schools with financial assistance for youths coping with autism.

Orlando has been focused on several different charities in the Los Angeles area.  Danny's Farm is a very unique petting zoo and events facility designed for children affected with autism and special needs. While Danny's Farm was founded to be a special place for special children, it is open to children from all walks of life, with or without disabilities.  Orlando hosted 75 special needs children to a visit at Danny's farm early this season, where everyone had the chance to interact with him by getting an autograph and photo.

Orlando has also visited Loma Alta Elementary School and spent the afternoon visiting with students.  The school has a full immersion program with their special needs students.  Orlando read to the children, answered questions, took photos and signed autographs.

Through Orlando's Around the Mound tour he has visited MLB's Urban Youth Academy and Van Ness Recreation Center.  Orlando created partnered with his MLB friends to reach out to African American youth and keep them interested in playing baseball.  Orlando has worked with fellow Major Leagers Juan Pierre, Torre Hunter, Jermaine Dye, and Ken Griffey Jr. as well as many others in regards to the Urban Youth Academy.

On December 19, 2008, Orlando hosted Homerun Holiday, a Christmas dinner for 30 autistic families in his hometown of Darlington, SC. There they had a Christmas dinner; received gifts from Orlando dressed as Santa and danced to Christmas tunes. Orlando plans to host this event every year.

The C.A.T.C.H. Foundation Inaugural Charity Weekend was held in Florence, SC, in January. Orlando hosted his second Strike Out! Autism Charity Bowling Fundraiser and his first charity basketball game and concert after party. All proceeds from the weekend benefited the C.A.T.C.H. Foundation.

Orlando was honored with the Inaugural Albert Einstein Leadership Award, given by the Pasadena Unified School District Community Advisory Committee. The award recognizes an individual who, through personal success or extraordinary effort, has positively impacted the special education cause or the public's perception of special education students. The award given to Orlando is part of the CAC's annual "Recognition Awards Gala," which honors teachers, support staff, and administrators who make a positive impact in the lives of special education students, their families, and the community.


Milwaukee Brewers - Jeff Suppan
                                            
Jeff Suppan is the consummate professional both on and off the field and demonstrates the high standards that all professional athletes should seek.

Jeff contributes $100,000 each year to Brewers Charities, the official charity of the Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club, to support activities and programs targeted to youth recreation, scholarships and education throughout Wisconsin.  Thanks to Jeff's generosity, $20,000 from his annual gift to Brewers Charities was directed to the Milwaukee County Parks Department to fix several area ball fields, damaged by flooding in the summer of 2008. 

Jeff and his wife Dana hosted a 2008 Holiday Party for 350 children at two area schools in Milwaukee, providing them with holiday treats, gifts, gift cards and a specially made backpack for each child with Jeff's autograph on it.  They traveled from their home in California to Wisconsin to be with the children at the parties and delivered a special message about the importance of school and families.  They also donated tickets so the children could return to Miller Park to attend a ballgame during the 2009 season.

He donated $7,500 donation to Stillpoint Family Resources, a California non-profit organization near his home, which provides healing and hope to individuals and families in crises through education and counseling.

Jeff provides financial assistance to two Milwaukee-area youth baseball groups which serve children from disadvantaged backgrounds:  $10,000 to the Beckum-Stapleton Little League which primarily serves African-American youths and $10,000 in support to the Felix Mantilla Little League which serves Latino youths.  These funds provide equipment, uniform and other operational costs for these groups.

Jeff has a history of support for the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, a New York-based foundation which provides assistance to children and families of U.S. soldiers killed in the line of duty.  He donates $100 for each strikeout he records and Brewers Charities matches his gift which totaled $22,800.00 in 2007.

Jeff has also teamed up with the USO of Wisconsin to fund a program designed to honor active military personnel and their families at Miller Park.  The program, which began in 2008, is fondly referred to as "Soup's Troops."  Jeff and his wife Dana donated four premiere seats behind home plate for each home game at Miller Park for use by active military members and their families, Jeff and Dana had the seats specially outfitted with camouflage colors as a tribute to our servicemen and women and they also donate $200 in Miller Park certificates to these guests at each game - $50 per guest - so they can enjoy food and beverages or purchase a special souvenir while they are at the ballpark.  These seats are affectionately called "Soup's Troops" seats to thank the Suppans for their generosity.  The USO provides parking passes for each Soup's Troops recipient.

When Jeff learned that it would cost more than $3,000 for Milwaukee area families to ship holiday gifts to their family members who were serving in Afghanistan during the 2008 Christmas holidays, he paid for the shipping expenses.

Another way that Jeff will be honoring our troops is through the Honor Flights Stars and Stripes program, where has agreed to make a contribution of $10,000  to allow veterans of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War to visit their respective memorials in Washington.  A special emphasis is being placed on aging WWII vets so they can see their memorial during their lifetime. 

Jeff is donating $10,000 for scholarships for Milwaukee area children whose families face financial barriers to attending Catholic schools or colleges.


New York Mets - Johan Santana

Johan Santana's long journey to the majors began improbably in the small town of Tavar Merida, high in the Andes Mountains of Venezuela. He dreamed of being a shortstop like his father, but it was soon evident that the left-hander's talent was better suited to the mound. Johan has emerged as one of the game's best pitchers, winning two Cy Young Awards and earning four All-Star appearances over his 10-year career.

Santana's passion and focus on the field is surpassed only by his commitment to giving back to the community, both in his new home in New York and in his homeland of Venezuela.

This season Santana became the all-time leader in victories by a Venezuelan-born pitcher. More importantly than wins on the baseball field, he has not forgotten his roots: the people who nurtured him from the beginning.  "I made a promise to myself when I made it to the big leagues that I would take care of the people who took care of me when I was young," Santana recalls.

To that end, he created the Johan Santana Foundation, which provides funding for programs that focus on education and healthcare domestically and abroad. The Foundation supports youth baseball and other children's charities in Venezuela and Tovar Merida, where he has helped build schools, hospitals and sports facilities. 

Santana personally delivered a fire truck he donated to his hometown to replace a beaten up pick-up truck that was ill-equipped to do the job, and sent several firefighters to train the town's fire department. He will return home again this December to hand out Christmas gifts to youngsters at his fourth annual Holiday Party.

In New York, Santana has joined other Mets players the past two years at the Mets Foundation's "Teammates in the Community" fundraiser, which has raised over $1.5 million for various charities. His donation of a pitching lesson to the charity auction has enhanced the event each year and raised a combined $35,500.

Santana has been an advocate for skin cancer awareness in a tribute to one of his agent's late wife. He hosted a Bowl-A-Thon while he was with the Minnesota Twins that benefited both his Foundation and the NYU Myeloma Center. Santana introduced his own wine, Santana's Select, with the help of Charity Hop with all proceeds going to his Foundation and melanoma research. 

He is a former spokesman for the Major League Baseball sun-safety program, "Play Sun Smart," and currently supports the New York Mets "Be Safe in the Sun" initiative with the Melanoma Research Alliance.


Philadelphia Phillies - Cole Hamels

Cole Hamels has always been a talent on the baseball diamond, especially during the 2008 Major League Baseball Playoffs and World Series, when he helped lead the Philadelphia Phillies to a title and was named World Series MVP. However, his talents go well beyond the field of play.

Cole and his wife Heidi founded The Hamels Foundation in 2008 with a focus on enhancing academic opportunities for children in Philadelphia and all across the United States. The hope is that through The Hamels Foundation the lives of children will be enriched by giving them the tools to achieve their goals. This goal is realized through their grant program which in 2009 awarded four local Philadelphia Public Schools with funding that will help with the purchase of instructional materials and enhancement of school facilities.

In May of 2009, four Philadelphia public schools were awarded the first Hamels Foundation grants. The schools were all located in low-income, high-risk areas of the city. John B. Stetson Middle School, located in the Kensington section of Philadelphia received a $50,000 grant. The grant will provide the school with iMacs, library packages, gymnasium bleachers and projectors as well as other instructional materials. A grant of $10,000 to purchase musical instruments and EOSL software was awarded to both the Olney West High School and Thomas G. Morton Elementary school in Southwest Philadelphia. Hunting Park's Bayard Taylor Elementary School received a $3,000 grant to purchase a new communication system.

The Hamels Foundation's focus is not solely concentrated on Philadelphia and the United States. They have extended their foundation internationally as well, reaching as far as the continent of Africa. Focusing on the country of Malawi, one of the poorest and most impoverished nations in the world, The Hamels Foundation aims to empower girls and young women through education and AIDS awareness programs in the hope of breaking the cycle of disease and poverty to help improve their lives.

The Hamels Foundation has hosted two events to continue to raise funds. On May 11th at Philadelphia's Please Touch Museum, "Night at the Museum and Carnival" featured an adult carnival, silent auction, appearances by Hamels' teammates, the Philly Phanatic and the 2008 World Series Trophy which helped raise over $63,000. The second event was held July 13th during the All-Star break and was a Celebrity Poker Tournament that included bowling and a live and silent auction. The money that was raised from both events will all go toward all of the aspects of Cole's organization, both locally and internationally.

The Hamels Foundation, in addition to monetary donations, collects clothes, books and sporting equipment which is divided and distributed to inner-city areas in the United States and Africa.

Additionally, the proceeds from items sold on colehamels.com are directed to The Hamels Foundation to continue their mission.

In addition, to his work with The Hamels Foundation, Cole has been active with the Phillies organization, and their community and charitable work. He has taken the time to sign hundreds of items that are used by the Phillies to benefit countless non-profits in their fundraising efforts. Some of the items Cole signed helped contribute to the Phillies Phestival to benefit the Philadelphia A.L.S. Association which raised over $867,670 this year. Cole has also been supportive of his teammates and their foundations as well, donating his time to the foundations of Jimmy Rollins, Ryan Howard, Shane Victorino, Chase Utley and Jamie Moyer.


Pittsburgh Pirates - Paul Maholm

Three years ago the Pittsburgh Pirates teamed up with Gilda's Club of Western PA to have the 1st "BBQ with the Bucs". Paul and his wife Jessica, having someone very special to them lose their life to cancer and knowing firsthand the difficulties and challenges families and loved ones face, were so impressed with the organization, its mission, and the people they served, that they immediately wanted to get more involved.

Gilda's Club of Western PA's mission is to create welcoming communities of free support for everyone living with cancer along with their families and friends .Their innovative program is an essential complement to medical care, providing networking and support groups, workshops, education and social activities. 

Paul continued to be part of the 2nd and 3rd annual "BBQ with the Bucs" and even hosted members of the Gilda's family at a Pirates game.  Still Paul felt that he wanted to do more to help. 

During this past off-season, Paul and his wife developed a season-long community initiative with Gilda's Club where once a month they would either host a Gilda's group at the ballpark or participate in an existing event at Gilda's.

In April 2009 Paul had the Young Cancer Awareness Group in the Pittsburgh Baseball Club at PNC Park. Paul & Jessica purchased Club seats for the group and provided them with Levy Dollars as well.

In May, the Pirates donated 350 tickets to help members celebrate their 'Livestrong Day' and one lucky Gilda's kid got to play catch with Paul on the field and throw out the honorary pitch to Paul during pre-game festivities.

In June, Paul and Jessica took over as hosts for the 3rd Annual "BBQ with the Bucs."  At the event, they announced their $25,000 donation to Gilda's Club of Western PA to fund Gilda's Kids Support Program. This kids program will include bereavement support, day camps, family support and weekend retreats.

In September, Paul and Jessica will host the "Men's Night Out" at PNC Park.  Paul can always be counted on to participate in the Club's Community Relations initiatives as well as Pirates Charities. He is always willing to go above and beyond and also helps to get his teammates encouraged in the events too.


San Diego Padres - Adrian Gonzalez

For the San Diego Padres, it all starts with their All-Star first basemen Adrian Gonzalez.  Along with being among the elite all-around players in Major League Baseball, the Gold Glove winning first basemen has made a tremendous impact on the lives of many through his charitable efforts.

Adrian has long been giving back to the community, especially young people. In 2008, he and his wife Betsy started the Adrian and Betsy Gonzalez Foundation. The mission of the foundation is to provide funds to help underprivileged children in the areas of athletics, education and health. 

Adrian is the team spokesperson for Kids Gear for Baseball & Baseball Tomorrow Fund Equipment Drive in conjunction with Little League Day at PETCO Park. The Baseball Tomorrow Fund made a $5,000 donation to Kids Gear for Baseball in Adrian's honor, in recognition of his ongoing support of youth baseball and softball in San Diego. Adrian also hosted a Celebrity Bowling Tournament in early April with his teammates to benefit the Athletic Department at San Pasqual Academy which is a residential education campus, designed specifically for foster teens. The event helped raise more than $37,000.

Since 2007 Adrian has hosted an annual golf tournament with local TV personality Jim Stone to benefit the South Bay Family YMCA, which has raised nearly $200,000. Adrian also supports his alma mater, Eastlake High School's baseball program. In December of 2008, he and his brother Edgar hosted a baseball clinic at PETCO Park with a portion of the proceeds donated to local San Diego area Little Leagues.

Adrian also has worked with the Padres Scholars Program, established by players and ownership in 1995 to provide academically talented yet financially disadvantaged students with a college scholarship, and thus encourages these at-risk kids to stay in school and pursue a higher education. 

As an ambassador for the San Diego Chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Adrian greets children suffering from life-threatening illnesses during a magical day at PETCO Park each month during the baseball season.

Adrian was awarded the 2007 Padres Chairmen Award. The Chairmen's Award is presented annually to the player who best personifies the philanthropic spirit of Padres Chairmen John Moores and his family. Also, in 2008 Adrian was the National League finalist for the MLBPA's Heart & Hustle Award, which recognizes an active player who demonstrates a passion for the game of baseball and best embodies the values, spirit, and traditions of the game.


San Francisco Giants - Barry Zito

Long before his days of pitching for the Giants, Barry began his charitable work. While with the Oakland A's Barry founded "Strikeouts for Troops" in 2005, to help provide the comforts of home to war-wounded troops returning from Afghanistan and Iraq.

Strikeout for Troops is a national non-profit organization dedicated to raising money to help our wounded veterans that are being treated at military hospitals across the country. For the past three seasons, Barry has welcomed groups of veterans and individuals who have volunteered their time to help people who have served our country. Barry provides game tickets to his guests and meets with them after batting practice. In 2008, he received an award from the Disabled American Veterans recognizing his work in helping veterans.

Since becoming a Giant in 2007, Barry took part in the Junior Giants program. In 2008, Barry helped inaugurate the new Barry Zito Junior Giants Field in Stockton, CA. The project included two baseball fields and benefits Stockton Junior Giants Baseball Leagues. The Stockton Junior Giant Baseball League has over 1,000 youth participants, which makes it the largest of all the more than 80 plus Junior Giants Leagues. The leagues are free to all participants. This was a collaboration of the Good Tidings Foundation, the Giants Community Fund and Zito. Realizing the important role that baseball played in his upbringing, Barry insured that thousands of children will now have the same opportunity to play baseball that he did.                       

Aside from being active with Strikeouts for Troops, Barry also donated his free time in December 2008 to visit St. Anthony's Dining Room, which serves San Franciscans in need, and to attend the annual Giants Holiday Party for Children benefiting homeless children and their families. Barry is always willing to assist the Giants in Community events. Barry was tabbed Baseball's #1 "Good Guy" in 2006 by The Sporting News and he has also been recipient of Dave Stewart Community Service Award. While playing for Oakland, Barry was a finalist for the Roberto Clemente Award and Marvin Miller Man of Year Award, both of which recognize excellence in community service.


Washington Nationals - John Lannan

In only his second full season with Washington, John Lannan is becoming one of the young leaders of the Nationals starting rotation.  He is doing the same off the field as well.

John serves as a Sports Ambassador for The Children's Inn at the National Institutes of Health. The Children's Inn is a residential "place like home" for sick children and their families who have come from across the country and around the world to undergo newly developed therapies at the NIH, the world's leading biomedical research center. The children who seek treatment at NIH are facing life-threatening illnesses that resist conventional therapy. There is no charge to the families for medical treatment at NIH nor is there a charge for staying at The Inn. By serving as a Sports Ambassador, John is helping to bring awareness to The Children's Inn and raising funds to support it.

In addition to serving as a Sports Ambassador, John recently launched "Lannan's Cannons", a ticket program designed to bring joy to the children and families at The Children's Inn at NIH.
Through this program, John hosts residents from The Inn at Nationals Park during Sunday home games. Each guest receives a ticket to the game, a food voucher, and a "Lannan's Cannons" t-shirt. John also meets with the children and their families at the ballpark.

John is very generous in donating his time for numerous Nationals team functions.  Some of the functions John has been involved in is the Nationals Winter Tour which stops at Food & Friends to pack meals for people living with life-challenging illnesses throughout the Washington DC area, and at Children's National Medical Center to visit with patients undergoing treatment. 

John has also gone on numerous trips including one to Walter Reed Army Medical Center visiting with patients.  During the 2008 holiday season, Lannan made a trip from his off-season home in New York to attend the Washington Nationals Holiday Party for children from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington. He spent time handing out gifts to each child in attendance, signed autographs and played games in the ESPN Zone Game Room.

John continues to be accessible and ready to help out anyway possible in regards to the Nationals events at the ballpark or in the community.


Florida Marlins - Hanley Ramirez

Hanley Ramirez continues to amaze both Marlins fans and Major League Baseball fans year after year. Hanley has continued to develop steadily into one of the game's elite stars, showcasing all of his five-tool capabilities.  Aside from his immense on-the-field talents, Hanley also does a great job in helping out communities' locally in Florida and in the Dominican Republic as well.

Hanley has had a donor advised fund within the Florida Marlins Community Foundation (FMCF) since 2006.  The purpose of this not-for-profit charitable organization is to promote educational, athletic, health, social and community service programs with a particular focus on South Florida's youth.  Hanley has attended FMCF's events ever since his arrival with the team, including the Annual Awards Dinners, Celebrity Golf Classics, Dinner on the Diamond and Fish N Chips Casino Nights.  Ramirez is a Co-Chair of the 2009 Fish N Chips Casino Night which was held on August 27, 2009.

Since 2006, Hanley has teamed with his double play partner Dan Uggla to co-chair the Annual Baseball Tomorrow Fund Equipment Drive.  He and Uggla support the drive by participating in publicity opportunities and by autographing cards to be used as incentives for donors.

Hanley also serves as a spokesperson for the Marlins@School program in which he is featured in the Geography lesson.  He also visits a classroom during the annual Marlins@School Week.  Since 2007, Hanley has been a supporter of the Mini-Marlins League.  He funds the kid pitch division and spends time with the youngsters at Marlins games. 

In 2008, Hanley contributed $20,000 to the Florida Marlins RBI League, and he participated in the Annual RBI Night festivities.  In 2009 Hanley has donated $50,000 to the Florida Marlins Community Foundation, $25,000 to sponsor five teachers through Teach for America, $20,000 to support the Marlins RBI League, and $5,000 to support the Mini-Marlins League Kid Pitch Division.

In addition to all of the work Hanley does in the U.S., he also gives back to the youth of his native Dominican Republic, by providing both baseball instruction and needed equipment.


St. Louis Cardinals - Albert Pujols

Albert Pujols, one of the games greatest players has accomplished it all on the field. Whether it is personal accolades, team championships, or being a clubhouse leader, he has always excelled.  With all that being said, Albert is much more than that.  Albert strives to help the community in as many ways as possible, and puts forth great effort in doing so. 

The Pujols Family Foundation was founded in May 2005 with the sole purpose of reflecting the love and compassion for children in the hearts of Albert and Deidre Pujols. Over the past three years the Pujols Family Foundation has served more than 500 families affected by Down syndrome in the greater St. Louis area, with programs and events that celebrate the lives of these special children and young adults. People with developmental disabilities are particularly close to Albert and Deidre because their 11 year old daughter, Isabella, has Down syndrome. These events have included: The Mother/Daughter Tea, 'Hitters & Splitters' Father/Son Bowling, Autumn Prom, Lose the Training Wheels Bike Camp, Albert's Home Run Derby, Albert's All-Star Game, and the 'Batter-Up' Cooking Experience.

The High Five program is an initiative that benefits adults with Down syndrome, 18 and older. The mission of High Five is to build community awareness that people with Down syndrome are people with possibilities, not just disabilities, through volunteer work in the community as well as social events that foster an environment of increased self-esteem and purpose. The Foundation's international outreach has brought medical assistance to more than 800 impoverished children in the Dominican Republic in 2007 and an additional 1,800 in 2008. The Foundation's latest initiative is to provide 300 beds to families in Haitian Bateys who have no place to sleep. The first set of beds was delivered on a trip taken in January 2009. Over 50 families had a new bed brought into their home. They have also funded the completion of a vocational school for the Orfanato Ninos de Cristo orphanage in La Romana, Dominican Republic, where more than 120 children are housed and receive instruction.

All together, the Pujols Family Foundation hosted 46 different programs and events in 2008 and plan to exceed that number in 2009. For over four years, Albert has led the way with monetary gifts and humanitarian missions which resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars being donated on his behalf. In addition to the 2007 Operation Smile trip which resulted in dental care valued at over $130,000 being provided to needy children in the Dominican Republic, Albert also led a team of optometrists in February of 2008 to provide eye exams and much needed glasses for many of the 1,800 children treated. The Pujols Family Foundation plans to bring yet another medical mission team to the Dominican Republic in November of 2009. He travels and works beside each mission team and has spent tens of thousands of dollars of his personal money to cover air travel, medical supplies and equipment freight, food and logistical support on the ground during these trips. Albert and Deidre even cook for the entire ministry team on these trips.

Albert has personally attended and participated in several of the local events each year, including the 'Hitters & Splitters' Father/Son Bowling Event, the Autumn Prom and Albert's All-Star Game for families with Down syndrome. He has signed tens of thousands of dollars in memorabilia items for the Pujols Family Foundation's Online Store, with 100% of the sale of those items going to benefit the Pujols Family Foundation. Albert hosts two Annual Foundation fundraisers - The Albert Pujols Celebrity Golf Classic and the O' Night Divine Christmas Celebration which together raise almost $500,000 yearly and he has given tens of thousands of dollars worth of signed merchandise to be auctioned off at these fundraisers.

Albert signed an agreement for his restaurant, Pujols 5 Westport Grill and Upper Deck Authenticated to donate a portion of his profits to be contributed to the Pujols Family Foundation. With regard to all of the above activities, including cash and non-cash donations, the Pujols Family Foundation has raised over $2,500,000 to benefit the children of St. Louis and the Dominican Republic.

In addition to the time and resources that Albert invests into his Foundation, Albert also is very active in the support of other organizations and causes. In the past year, Albert has donated signed items for over 45 organizations, including Ronald McDonald House, Autism Speaks, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Albert is also active with the Make-A-Wish Foun¬dation and the Caps for Kids program, which provides children undergoing cancer treatment or chemotherapy a cap signed by their favorite celebrity.

Albert's faith is the driving force in his life and out of that comes his service within the Christian community. Every year Albert speaks at "Manly Night", with hundreds of men in attendance, which benefits a local youth ministry. Albert has also been involved with Christian Family Day at Busch Stadium since 2001.


Atlanta Braves - Tim Hudson

Tim Hudson has been one of the best starting pitchers in baseball throughout his career, and while he has not played yet in 2009 recovering from elbow surgery, he has remained busy off the field.

In addition to continuing their generous support of the Make-A-Wish® Foundation and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Tim and his wife Kim founded the Hudson Family Foundation in 2009. The Foundation, based in Atlanta, is committed to making a positive and long-lasting impact in the lives of children in Georgia and Alabama who have a genuine need for assistance with regard to a specific physical, emotional or financial circumstance.

The Hudson Family Foundation focuses primarily on four programs: Non-profit Grant Program, which funds organizations that serve children's needs in the areas of health/medical, education and/or recreation programs; Scholarship Program, which offers financial assistance for graduating high school senior in Georgia and Alabama; "Take Me Out To The Ballgame!" which provides Braves tickets that give deserving children, who may not otherwise have the chance, the opportunity to experience a Braves game; and the "Rookie Reader" Program, which is a book donation program that promotes literacy and the love of reading from a young age by donating books to children and youth serving organizations throughout Georgia and Alabama.

During his tenure with the Oakland Athletics from 1999-2004, Tim and his wife Kim developed a strong relationship with the Make-A-Wish® Foundation. When Tim joined the Atlanta Braves, the Hudsons continued their partnership with the organization and became ambassadors for the Make-A-Wish® Foundation of Georgia and Alabama.  Throughout the season, the Hudsons help fulfill the wishes of numerous youth by hosting 8-10 critically-ill children on Make-A-Wish® visits to Turner Field during the season.

In addition to his work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Tim supports a variety of other charitable organizations and events throughout Atlanta and the Southeast including Anna's Angel Fund and A Tribute to our Quiet Heroes.

Tim and his wife Kim have also joined forces with the Moyer Foundation and its "Campaign for Kids", an initiative aimed at expanding the reach of the Foundation's Camp Erin, a bereavement camp designed for children ages 6-17 who have experienced the death of a parent, friend or loved one.  The campaign seeks to bring Camp Erin to every MLB city, and the Hudsons have had an instrumental role in helping to raise awareness about the program and spearheading the effort to establish Camp Erin Atlanta. 

Tim continues to participate in various Braves community programs and fundraisers such as the Braves Power Lunch Series, Jerseys Off Our Backs fundraiser and Christmas In July hospital visits to youth.  Each year, Tim purchases season tickets for the Braves' "Reach Out, Be Our Guest" program for underprivileged youth and has purchased XX season tickets to be distributed to these children throughout the 2009 season.  

Peace,
Love,
AND BASEBALL,
Alyssa

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