MLB, MLBPA, Red Sox jointly contribute $600,000 to Marathon bombing victims

Major League Baseball, the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) and the Boston Red Sox have announced a combined $600,000 donation to assist the victims and families affected by the bombing at this year's Boston Marathon. Major League Baseball and the MLBPA will donate a combined $500,000, and the Boston Red Sox will contribute $100,000 to One Fund Boston, established by Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick and Boston mayor Tom Menino to aid the people most affected by the tragic events that occurred on April 15. Contributions from Red Sox fans at Fenway Park for this weekend's series with the Kansas City Royals have lifted the total beyond $600,000.

Major League Baseball will encourage fans to donate to One Fund Boston throughout all national telecasts on FOX, ESPN, TBS and MLB Network and will promote the charity with signage behind home plate. MLB.com, RedSox.com, and MLBPlayers.com will also be promoting the Fund and accepting donations online. In addition, MLB licensee Brand 47 has produced caps featuring the B Strong logo with the Red Sox stylized B. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the sale of the caps will be donated to One Fund Boston.

"Major League Baseball and all of our clubs stand alongside the Red Sox in extending our deepest condolences to the victims and the families who have been impacted by this senseless tragedy," said Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig. "All of us are grateful to the first responders, doctors, volunteers, city officials and the many who have been instrumental in helping save lives in this great American city. We commend the people of Boston on their remarkable strength and solidarity, and the national pastime is honored to contribute to the recovery."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and families of the Boston Marathon bombing, and we also extend our heartfelt gratitude to federal, state and local law enforcement officials for their tireless efforts in tracking down the suspects in this senseless and tragic incident," stated MLBPA executive director Michael Weiner. "For generations, Boston and the entire Red Sox Nation have held a special place in the hearts of players, and in this time of need we are proud to join forces with the clubs in supporting One Fund Boston. We're confident that the events of the past week have made us all realize that regardless of who we root for, at the end of the day we're all on the same team."

"Baseball has become an integral part of the Patriot's Day celebrations here in Boston," said Red Sox principal owner John Henry. "When the game ends, many of the more than 37,000 fans walk from Fenway Park to the finish line to cheer the Marathon runners on Boylston Street. This tragedy directly affected many of our most ardent fans. We continue to send our sympathies to all who have felt the impact of these terribly sad events."

"We are grateful to the commissioner for his leadership and generosity," said Red Sox Chairman Tom Werner. "Baseball is a vital social institution with important community responsibilities and obligations. We look forward to working with Major League Baseball as we continue to offer support to the many who were affected but Monday's tragic events."

For more information, please visit MLBCommunity.org.