All-Star initiatives set to help those in need
Rebuilding ballfields, 5K run and Central Park concert among events on tap
Major League Baseball and the Mets are joining together for an All-Star week that will feature legendary players, memorable events and support for a variety of charitable efforts in New York City and elsewhere.
Community events lasting Thursday through Tuesday, the day of the All-Star Game at Citi Field, will include renovation projects at youth ballfields in Queens, construction at a veterans home and local Boys & Girls Club, work at a Brooklyn courtyard to be used for a variety of programs and a benefit concert in Central Park.
Mets legends expected to participate in the week's events include George Foster, John Franco, Dwight Gooden, Cleon Jones, Dave Kingman, Ed Kranepool, Barry Lyons and Rusty Staub.
According to a league release: "The events and initiatives will support Sandy recovery efforts, honor veterans, impact the lives of underserved and special-needs youth, support cancer research and highlight the importance of safety and environmental consciousness."
Major League Baseball and the Mets will donate more than $5 million toward local projects and national MLB charities and the New York Mets Foundation.
Saturday will be dedicated to relief efforts for those affected by Hurricane Sandy, with the MLB All-Star 5K and Fun Run in Brooklyn's Prospect Park and the charity concert (featuring Alan Gilbert and the New York Philharmonic, with an appearance from Mariah Carey) Saturday evening in Central Park.
In all, there will be events and initiatives from Far Rockaway on Thursday to Queens on Monday. For more information on the Midsummer Classic or the week's events, visit allstargame.com or Mets.com.