Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) today announced a joint contribution of $210,000 to aid relief efforts in the Bahamas in response to the devastation by Hurricane Dorian. The donation is being made on September 18th, which is Roberto Clemente Day throughout MLB, in recognition of the late Hall of Famer’s humanitarian legacy.

The donation will be divided by $70,000 each to Project Hope, Water Mission, and SBP, which covers immediate medical supplies, water infrastructure & consumption, and long-term rebuilding efforts, respectively. In particular, Water Mission is a nonprofit organization that is supported by many Major League players for efforts to provide clean drinking water to communities around the world.

Baseball Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr. said: “Hurricane Dorian has devastated parts of the Bahamas, a country that members of our baseball family call home. We hope that our contribution with the Players will help ease the challenges faced by Bahamians during this critical time and support the continuing rebuilding effort of the country.”

Tony Clark, Executive Director of the MLBPA, said: “Players have witnessed the devastation and destruction as well as the pain and suffering caused by natural disasters like Hurricane Dorian and they want to continue to join recovery and rebuilding efforts and offer hope to those who have lost so much.”

“As we celebrate my father’s life today on Roberto Clemente Day throughout Major League Baseball, the Clemente family applauds the efforts of Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association to support relief efforts in the Bahamas. The Clemente family encourages everyone to continue my father’s legacy of helping those in need and to support this effort,” said Luis Clemente, son of the late Hall of Famer.

This contribution represents an ongoing commitment by MLB and the MLBPA to provide joint support to causes that assist vulnerable populations, which has historically included disaster relief and recovery financial assistance. 

ABOUT WATER MISSION

Water Mission is on the ground providing emergency safe water solutions to communities that were devastated by Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas. Clean, safe water is one of the most important needs for those affected by the storm and funds will support and help mobilize safe water solutions in the Abacos.

ABOUT PROJECT HOPE

Project HOPE is a renowned global health and humanitarian relief organization which addresses the world’s greatest public health challenges, transforming lives and uplifting communities. Joint funds will help the continued delivery of training, medicines and supplies to those affected by Hurricane Dorian.

ABOUT SPB

Established in 2006, SBP (formerly known as St. Bernard Project) is recognized as a leader in disaster resilience and recovery, with a mission to shrink the time between disaster and recovery. Funds will be used to support rebuilding efforts such as residential and school reconstruction and stabilizing essential services for members of the community.