NEW YORK -- Ahead of the club’s series opener against the Cardinals on Tuesday, the Mets were recognized for their work with the Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.) and its philanthropic efforts during the 2026 Spring Training Fundraising Tour. They received the Bobby Murcer Award for the National League, which recognizes the team in each league that raised the highest amount in donations. Dedicated to the late Yankees outfielder, who died in 2008 at the age of 62 and was also a former B.A.T. chairman, the award honors his legacy of assistance and care for others.
In a campaign that saw B.A.T. surpass its previous fundraising record for the fifth straight year, exceeding the 2025 total by almost $1 million, the Mets earned the NL award for the third consecutive year. On the field to accept the award for the organization were Sean Manaea, Marcus Semien and Bo Bichette, who were presented the award by Murcer’s widow, Kay, and his family, as well as members of the B.A.T. board.
B.A.T., which was founded in 1986 by a group of former Major Leaguers, is dedicated to helping members of the Baseball Family when they find themselves in times of need or in crisis. Since the organization’s inception, they have provided confidential medical, financial and psychological assistance as a helping hand to all types of members of the game’s rich tapestry: players, managers, coaches, scouts, umpires, athletic trainers, front office staff, Negro League players and participants from the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. The idea is that if you or a family member had an impact on the game of baseball, then those still within the sport will do their best to take care of you.
Rooted in a willingness to help whenever one can, making sure that people and loved ones aren’t forgotten once they leave the playing field, the Mets have continually answered the call to sustain support on their end.