MLB players uniting to 'strike out' cancer

Players around the Major Leagues are uniting to strike out cancer.

Recognizing that cancer is a disease that leaves few families untouched, including their own, players on every club will participate in Strike Out Cancer Day on Tuesday, Sept. 2.

Extending an effort begun last season by Cardinals relief pitcher Jason Motte, players on all teams will wear Strike Out Cancer T-shirts in their city's colors that feature a big backwards 'K' -- the baseball scoring symbol for when a player strikes out looking.

"I'm extremely proud of the players for rallying around a member of their fraternity to raise awareness for a cause that hits too close to home for all of us," MLBPA executive director Tony Clark said. 

Each team is supporting a different charitable organization dedicated to fighting cancer, as recommended by each team's player representative. Additionally, fans are asked to join in supporting the cause by purchasing these high-quality T-shirts at www.108stitches.com.

Proceeds from every T-shirt sold are being split between the Jason Motte Foundation and a charity selected by each team's player representative.

"I'm honored by the support my fellow Major Leaguers have displayed in joining the Jason Motte Foundation's effort to strike out cancer," Motte said. "What started out as a ripple of awareness in St. Louis a year ago has turned into a tidal wave of international support to help eradicate this horrible disease. I want to thank the players for standing together in support of this initiative, as well as 108 Stitches and fans everywhere for doing their best to help strike out cancer."

Players around the Majors will wear their T-shirts on the way to the ballpark, in their clubhouses and after their games to bring attention to the initiative. And fans who purchase the T-shirts are encouraged to wear them to a Major League game on Sept. 2.

The Players Association, 108 Stitches and players will support their "Strike Out Cancer" initiative through various social media platforms between now and Sept. 2, using the hashtag #KCancer14.

In addition, the MLBPA will contribute its customary licensing fee to the Brain Tumor Center at Columbia University Hospital in memory of Michael Weiner, the Players Association's former executive director who passed away last November after a 15-month battle with brain cancer.

"For generations, players have demonstrated their willingness to stand together as one in support of issues important to them as a group," Clark said. "Their Strike Out Cancer initiative is just one more example of their solidarity."

Players representatives' charities of choice: