Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association today announced they are joining together to contribute $250,000 to assist victims of the devastating floods that have affected parts of Louisiana.
The $250,000 contribution is being divided among three charitable organizations capable of lending assistance to those most in need. The American Red Cross will receive a $125,000 contribution and two charities connected to Major League Players -- the Baton Rouge Area Foundation and High Socks for Hope -- will each receive a $62,500 contribution.
Since the floods have ravaged the area, Major League Players from the Louisiana region have been actively raising awareness and funds to aid in the recovery efforts. Several of these Players, including Reid Brignac (Atlanta Braves), Will Harris (Houston Astros), Wade LeBlanc (Seattle Mariners), Mikie Mahtook (Tampa Bay Rays), Anthony Ranaudo (Chicago White Sox) and Ryan Schimpf (San Diego Padres) were consulted in determining which organizations would receive funding support. The Baton Rouge Area Foundation is directing donations to the Louisiana Flood Relief Fund, which was established by Players who went to Louisiana State University (LSU), including Alex Bregman (Houston Astros), Louis Coleman (Los Angeles Dodgers), Kevin Gausman (Baltimore Orioles), Harris, DJ LeMahieu (Colorado Rockies), Mahtook, Aaron Nola (Philadelphia Phillies), Ranaudo and Schimpf. High Socks for Hope is a non-profit foundation created and operated by Chicago White Sox closer David Robertson and his wife, Erin. High Socks for Hope was initially started to assist individuals and families in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (Robertson's hometown), but has since helped victims of natural disasters all over the country.
Baseball Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr. said: "During this dire time of need in Louisiana, we hope that our joint contribution will help those impacted by this natural disaster receive the emergency support they now require."
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the people in Louisiana living in areas affected by the flooding, and we offer our sincerest gratitude to everyone who has stepped up to help in this time of need," said MLBPA Executive Director, Tony Clark. "Players care deeply about the places they call home, and we're grateful to be in a position to help Players from Louisiana provide much needed financial assistance so that the area can recover as quickly as possible from the damage caused by the flooding."
Today's contributions represent an ongoing commitment of Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association to provide joint support for victims of natural disasters. The parties encourage others to join them in assisting with the area's flood relief efforts.