MIAMI -- Jonathan Jay was born and raised in Miami, barely 10 miles from Marlins Park and 20 minutes from the Boys & Girls Club of Miami-Dade, where he forged his big league dreams as a youngster who went on to become a Christopher Columbus High School and University of Miami Hall of Famer. That's why the D-backs' outfielder didn't hesitate when he had the opportunity to give back by donating $50,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Miami-Dade during a ceremony before Wednesday's 2-1 win over the Marlins.
"The Boys & Girls Club has been a big instrument, not just in my career, but in my life. A place that allowed me to be safe and hang out when I was a kid," said Jay, whose donation will grow to a total of $300,000 with six separate contributions.
Jay was joined at the ceremony by his parents, Maria and Justo Jay, his wife, Nikki, and their twin daughters, Brooklyn and Berkley, as well as Marlins center fielder Cameron Maybin.
For Jay, the Boys & Girls Club represented the chance to have fun among friends with lessons that would last a lifetime.
"I would go and get there two hours early to play basketball and get a pizza before my baseball game. It was a great place that made both my sister and I feel right at home," Jay said. "I played against [Indians first baseman] Yonder Alonso and [Pirates first baseman] Sean Rodriguez there. There are a lot of guys, in baseball especially, that came from the Boys & Girls Club."
Jay's charitable efforts for the Boys & Girls Club of Miami-Dade also include the Celebrity Bowling Challenge, which takes place every year during the offseason and just celebrated its seventh edition.
"We decided to start this event the year after the World Series and try to get everyone from the area together to have some fun for a good cause, and it's a sold-out event every year," Jay said. "We raised about $100,000 this year, an all-time high."
Alonso and Nationals pitcher Giovany Gonzalez were among this year's attendees. Some D-backs may join in the fun during the next edition as well.
"I heard Daniel Descalso is really good [at bowling]. He's my guy. It's great to have the support of my teammates and my friends," Jay said.