Trout, Abreu direct Players Trust grants to charities of choice

Mike Trout and Jose Abreu are putting to good use the Players Trust grants they received as 2014 Players Choice Award winners.

Trout, who accepted his award as the AL's Outstanding Player in a ceremony before Friday night's game with the Rangers, is dividing his $20,000 grant between the Marshall R. Smith Childhood Cancer Foundation and the Dempster Family Foundation.

The Angels center fielder, still just 23, had the best of his three MLB seasons in 2014, leading the AL with an 8.7 offensive WAR, 338 total bases, 115 runs and 111 RBIs while batting .287 and hitting 36 home runs.

Based in Trout's hometown, Millville, N.J., Marshall R. Smith Childhood Cancer Center Foundation raises awareness for childhood cancer by providing financial assistance to children and families affected by childhood-specific cancer.

Founded by former pitcher Ryan Dempster, the Ryan Dempster Family Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life for the growing community of those affected by 22Q11.2 Deletion Syndrome. The organization was created after the birth of Dempster's daughter, Riley, who was diagnosed with 22Q as an infant.

Abreu, who was honored by his peers as the AL's Outstanding Rookie in 2014, was presented his award on Saturday night at US Cellular Field and dedicated his $20,000 Trust grant to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

St. Jude provides vital health care to children around the world who are battling cancer and other catastrophic diseases.

The Cuban-born Abreu, now 27, batted .317 with a .383 on-base average, 36 home runs and a 5.3 WAR as a rookie. He also led the AL with a .581 slugging percentage and a 169 OPS+ in his first season.

Each year, Major Leaguers recognize the achievements of their peers through the Players Trust's Players Choice Awards program. To date, the Players Trust has recognized the outstanding performances of Players Choice Awards winners by contributing more than $3.8 million to charities around the world on behalf of each award winner.

To read more about the 2014 Players Choice Awards winners click here.