For the eighth consecutive year, MLB and its Clubs will raise awareness for childhood cancer for a special league-wide day in home ballparks during all games on Sunday, September 3^rd through the MLB Together platform (www.MLBTogether.com). Held during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, this effort will combine a visual and ceremonial demonstration of support for the cause with outreach to local hospitals treating young patients in their communities.

Each year, it is projected that more than 10,000 children younger than 15 will be diagnosed with cancer in the United States alone, 300,000 globally. MLB Together, in partnership with committed leaders in this cause, is dedicated to eradicating cancer as a disease affecting young people.  

On Sunday, September 3^rd, all on-field personnel, including players, managers, coaches, and umpires will wear gold ribbon decals and wristbands during all games. Home Clubs also may plan to feature ceremonial activities in their ballparks. Club activations may include youth participation in pregame ceremonies, visits from players and mascots, and other special recognitions. Nonprofit partners for Clubs may include local hospital partners or organizations focused on childhood cancer, such as Stand Up To Cancer, American Cancer Society, and the Starlight Children’s Foundation. Clubs on the road on September 3^rd may select another home game to observe Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. *Attached are just a few examples of unique Club activations.*

As an extension of MLB’s longstanding relationship with Starlight Children’s Foundation, 22 Clubs have been selected to receive either a Starlight Virtual Reality headset or a Nintendo Switch handheld, which will be donated to a local children’s cancer hospital, a hospital pediatric cancer care unit, or childhood cancer nonprofit organization. The 22 Clubs include the Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Guardians, Colorado Rockies, Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals, Los Angeles Angels, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, Oakland Athletics, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Seattle Mariners, St. Louis Cardinals, Tampa Bay Rays, Texas Rangers, and Toronto Blue Jays.

Childhood cancer awareness efforts in previous seasons have included special batting practice t-shirts, online campaigns to empower fans to become fundraisers for pediatric cancer research, and donations to local children’s hospitals. MLB and Clubs have supported the fight against cancer through a variety of initiatives for many years. As Stand Up To Cancer’s founding donor, Major League Baseball and its Clubs have pledged more than $50 million to SU2C’s collaborative cancer research programs, providing invaluable support. Launched in 2013, the work of the Stand Up To Cancer – St. Baldrick’s Foundation Pediatric Cancer Dream Team has helped develop new treatments for difficult to treat pediatric leukemias which have been approved by the FDA.

Stand Up To Cancer’s pediatric cancer research is one of the largest segments of the organization’s portfolio, with 31 innovative pediatric cancer research grants, including four of SU2C’s signature “Dream Teams,” and 11 individual awards to early-career Innovative Research Grants, supporting 51 clinical trials with more than 1,300 pediatric patients enrolled. SU2C-funded research has helped support two FDA approvals for new treatments to improve pediatric leukemia patients’ outcomes and minimize side effects. MLB has recognized SU2C at its jewel events since the 2009 World Series.

Club Examples – 2023 Childhood Cancer Awareness

Arizona Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks have been hosting Childhood Cancer Awareness Day at Chase Field since 2013. This year, Phoenix Children’s is celebrating their 40^th anniversary, and the D-backs will present them with a framed jersey to commemorate their 40 years of service in the Arizona community during pregame. Other pregame recognitions will include Phoenix Children’s nurses on the field holding up placards that spell out “STEP UP, STOP CANCER.”  Nine children who have or have had cancer will take the field each with a D-backs player before the game. A $50,000 check will be presented to Phoenix Children’s. 100 kids from Camp Rainbow, an annual summer camp for patients of Phoenix Children’s who have or have had cancer or a chronic blood disorder will attend the game.

Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves will commemorate Childhood Cancer Awareness Day on Sunday, September 10 as the Braves take on the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Braves are offering two complimentary game tickets that day for each childhood cancer fighter/survivor. Gates will open 90 minutes early exclusively for these families to enjoy the zip-line, carnival-style games, and activities inside Hope and Will’s Sandlot at Truist Park. All participating families will also be invited to walk in a pregame parade around the warning track. 13-year-old Nolan Madsen, who was treated for osteosarcoma at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, will be throwing out the game’s ceremonial first pitch. Proceeds from the Atlanta Braves Foundation 50/50 Raffle on September 10 will benefit local childhood cancer charities. In partnership with Starlight Children’s Foundation, the Atlanta Braves and MLB are donating a Starlight Virtual Reality headset to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta to provide patients with a positive distraction and chance for play and comfort.

Boston Red Sox

In recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September, the Red Sox will celebrate children who have battled the disease in pregame ceremonies before the September 8 Red Sox-Orioles game at Fenway Park. Three hundred children and their adult caregivers from the Jimmy Fund, the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation, and Sophia’s Fund will form a human gold ribbon in centerfield during the ceremony. Additionally, children who are battling cancer or have overcome the disease will take part in other pregame elements including the ceremonial first pitch and saying, “play ball.” During the game, Red Sox players will wear cleats designed by patients at the Jimmy Fund Clinic. The cleats will be auctioned off after the game and proceeds will benefit the Jimmy Fund at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. The Red Sox began hosting a day dedicated to childhood cancer at Fenway Park beginning in 2015. 

Baltimore Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles will recognize and show their support for Childhood Cancer Awareness throughout the month of September. The Orioles will provide 50 tickets to the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation on Saturday, September 30, as the O’s take on the Boston Red Sox. They will also recognize Addyson, a local 12-year-old, as their Birdland Community Hero, also making a $5,000 donation to a charity of her choice. Despite being diagnosed with multiple illnesses, Addyson helps spread happiness to children at local hospitals by providing them with full sized and mini-Christmas trees, lights, and ornaments. The Orioles and Starlight Foundation are once again partnering to provide the University of Maryland Children’s Hospital with a Virtual Reality headset. The Oriole Bird will also visit the hospital, bringing smiles and encouragement to local children. 

Chicago White Sox

The Chicago White Sox will begin Childhood Cancer Awareness Month by inviting pediatric cancer patients receiving care at RUSH University Medical Center for a special VIP batting practice experience, where several Sox players are scheduled to join the group, on September 1. The club also will recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness Day on September 3, inviting a group of 150 children and their family members from Ronald McDonald House Charities and The Dragonfly Foundation for several pregame activities. Kids will be honored during a special Kids Take the Bases pregame recognition and will help deliver the game ball, announce playball prior to the start of the game and introduce players walking to their at-bats as honorary public address announcers. Following the game, the children are invited to run the bases alongside their families and friends. Working with former White Sox infielder Craig Grebeck, the White Sox will welcome 4-year-old Alexander Brown who is undergoing a difficult treatment regime to fight an aggressive form of brain cancer for a fun and unforgettable day at the ballpark. In addition to coming down to the field for batting practice with his family, Alexander will watch the evening’s game from a suite surrounded by more than a dozen family members and friends. 

Cincinnati Reds

The Reds are proudly recognizing Childhood Cancer Awareness Month on Sunday, Sept. 3 with activations at Great American Ball Park. (Reds vs. Cubs, 12:10 p.m.) Representatives from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the Dragonfly Foundation will participate in pregame ceremonies. The News of the Game scoreboard feature will highlight a recent Reds player visit to Cincinnati Children’s and donation of a Starlight Virtual Reality Headset. Local florist Petal & Stem is organizing a group sales effort with proceeds benefiting the Ronald McDonald House.

Cleveland Guardians

The Cleveland Guardians are a founding partner of VeloSano, which is an annual cycling event held in Northeast Ohio on September 9 and 10 this year.  In its 10^th year, VeloSano has raised over $36M for Cancer research.  The event was co-founded by Guardians Owner Paul Dolan and includes a family ride that goes through Progressive Field.  

Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers will recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness Day on Sunday, September 10 as they host the Chicago White Sox. The Tigers will provide 150 complimentary tickets for childhood cancer fighters/survivors, their families and applicable organizations. About 30 children will participate in on-field activities including standing with the Tigers for the national anthem, nine kids taking the starting field positions, high-fiving players in the bullpen and announcing, “Play Ball!”. One participant from Kids Kicking Cancer will be throwing out the Tigers’ ceremonial first pitch. 

The Tigers will be hosting multiple organizations alongside Kids Kicking Cancer to provide information and inspiration to the children and their families, along with all other guests in attendance. Sunday’s celebration will continue the Tigers’ Kids Kicking Cancer initiative from August 25 when the team and outfielder Kerry Carpenter hosted a martial arts therapy class for the kids with Heroes Circle.

Houston Astros

The Astros will celebrate Childhood Cancer Awareness over September 8^th and 9^th.  There will be a gold ribbon in center field representing childhood cancer awareness, and the first pitch, Kids First Call and Chevy Base Stealer each of those days will be from our childhood cancer partners. 500 tickets for each game will go to local organizations helping to fight childhood cancer, including Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Family Alliance, Sunshine Kids, Ronald McDonald House, Big Love Cancer Care and Texas Children’s Hospital.

The Astros Foundation and AT&T SportsNet will host the annual Charity Game on Sept. 12, with a preview in-stadium on Sept. 8. All proceeds will be sent to local nonprofits helping to fighting childhood cancer- Candlelighters, Sunshine Kids, Big Love Cancer Care, and Texas Children's Hospital.

Kansas City Royals

The Royals will have a child from Braden’s Hope serve as the “Play Ball!” kid before the game. Braden’s Hope will also be doing a pre-game interview before the game on Bally Sports. The Royals also will once again have a special presentation during the 4th inning of the game where all fans, players, broadcasters, umpires, etc. will be given a handheld sign where they will be able to write in the name of someone who has battled or is currently battling cancer. In the middle of the 4th inning, everyone will be holding the signs up at the same time. Braden’s Hope will have several childhood cancer families in the stands during the game.

Los Angeles Angels

The Angels will recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness during a pregame ceremony on September 7th, in which Angels Baseball will donate $20,000 to Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital in Long Beach to support their pediatric cancer research and treatment. 100 tickets will be provided to families and hospital staff to enjoy the game that night.  In addition, patients will participate in on-field pregame and in-game activities such as “Game Ball Delivery” and “Steal Third.” The Angels Strike Force will also be wearing gold ribbon socks during the game to raise awareness for all forms of cancer affecting children and adolescents. 

Furthermore, players will make their fourth visit this season to Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital in Long Beach earlier that day. As part of their visit, they will deliver a Starlight Virtual Reality (VR) that will provide pediatric patients with play, comfort, and positive distraction. The immersive nature of VR allows kids to temporary escape the hospital’s confines, helping reduce the pain and anxiety of medical treatments and conditions. The Angels were selected as one of 21 MLB teams by Starlight Children’s Foundation to receive this special Starlight VR headset. 

Miami Marlins

The Miami Marlins have organized numerous events around Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.  In August, outfielder Jesus Sanchez and Billy The Marlin visited patients at Alex's Place on National Coloring Book Day to draw and color their masterpieces.  Elements from the various drawings were used to create T-shirts that the kids and players will wear on September 5, when the Marlins will host several patients and their families at loanDepot park for Childhood Cancer Awareness Day. The patients and their families will get the VIP experience, with field access, batting practice passes, and the opportunity to meet various Marlins players and coaches. They will also declare Play Ball to start the game, and enjoy the game for a private suite.

Additionally, the Marlins, in partnership with Starlight Children’s Foundation, visited patients at Alex’s Place to deliver virtual reality (VR) headsets. Marlins pitcher Eury Perez and Billy The Marlin surprised the patients with the new headsets, and spent the morning engaging with the children, giving them a break from their routine and an opportunity to have fun and laugh.

Throughout September, the Marlins will host several Love Your Melon Nights, which will benefit Alex's Place through ticket packages sold. 

Milwaukee Brewers

The Milwaukee Brewers are hosting Northwestern Mutual’s Alex’s Lemonade Stand activations on Sept. 2 and 3 at American Family Field to raise money to fight childhood cancer. On September 2, the first 150 fans who donate $20 to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation can meet and receive an autograph from Brewers alumni Corey Hart. Then on September 3, fans can donate $20 to meet and receive an autograph from Brewers alumni Jeff Cirillo. All proceeds from the donations on both dates go directly to Northwestern Mutual’s Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation campaign to fight childhood cancer. 

On Monday, August 16^th, players, Morris Austin, Ryan Birchard, Harrison Durrow, KC Hunt, Isaiah Jackson, Bjorn Johnson, Tate Kuehner, Bishop Letson, Hayden Robinson, Bayden Root, Brett Wichrowski, Josh Adamczewski and front office staff, welcomed Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels to American Family Fields of Phoenix to make 5 tie blankets, create over 40 jewelry bags with inspirational sayings for patients to put together, sign greeting cards and decorate superhero capes. Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels was created in memory of Amanda Hope who battled leukemia at 9 years old and again at 12 years. She passed away on March 30, 2012. Throughout her time in treatment, she voiced concern for other children in the hospital and their comfort during treatment. In her memory, the “Comfycozy” shirt was designed with zippers at the chest to allow easy access to patient’s medical ports without sacrificing privacy. Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels supports patients and families throughout their treatment process which include a major distraction event in or out of the hospital at least once a month, boxes filled with a Comfycozy and a small activity, “No More Chemo Party” boxes filled with decorations and party supplies, and financial assistance. To get involved at Amanda Hope Rainbow Angels, you can volunteer on-site at their location in downtown Phoenix, organize a MyCompanyCares event as pictured below, or give monetary donations.

Minnesota Twins

The Minnesota Twins are engaging in several initiatives throughout September in recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. During the club’s first homestand of the month, Twins players, staff and mascot T.C. will visit patients and their families at both Children’s Minnesota (September 11) and M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital (September 12). The Twins are also dedicating their Tuesday, September 26 home game vs. Oakland to Childhood Cancer Awareness Month; pregame ceremonies will welcome, thank and celebrate local nonprofit and hospital partners who work in this space (Children’s Minnesota; M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital; Pinky Swear Foundation; Correa Family Foundation; Ronald McDonald House Charities, Upper Midwest; and the Children’s Cancer Research Fund), while the club is donating tickets to groups from all six organizations. This special night at Target Field will also provide an opportunity for children currently in treatment to watch batting practice from the field as VIP guests of the Twins; additionally, a ceremonial first pitch will be thrown by a young adult in remission, a “Kids Starting Lineup” of 10 children currently in treatment or in remission will take the field before the game, and Twins players and coaches will wear yellow ribbon patches and wristbands. Lastly, a sign that reads “Strike Out Childhood Cancer” will be placed on Target Field’s outfield wall for the entire month of September (12 Twins home games).

New York Mets

The New York Mets will be hosting a Pediatric Cancer Awareness Youth Baseball Clinic on September 2^nd for pediatric cancer patients and their siblings from Cohen Children’s Medical Center. They will be announced on the field, do very light baseball drills and receive lunch and tickets to a future Mets game. Additionally, children from Cohen Children’s Medical Center will participate in “kids take the field” where they will be stationed at each position to greet players when they take the field for the start of the game. On September 3^rd, the Mets will highlight Northwell Health and their work with childhood cancer patients via in-game and pregame segments on the jumbotron.

New York Yankees

As the Yankees do throughout the entire season, the team partners with Make-A-Wish Metro New York to host children afflicted with critical illnesses, and these visits will culminate during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Make-A-Wish participants take part in various activities unique to them and their needs. Each guest has the opportunity to receive a private tour of the New York Yankees Museum presented by Bank of America, visit Monument Park, and be on the field for meet & greets with Yankees players during batting practice. Each guest also receives Yankees merchandise and complimentary tickets and dining for that night’s game. The Yankees are proud to partner with Make-A-Wish Metro New York in their efforts to lift children’s spirits and grant wishes that provide strength, hope and transformation in a child and community.

In addition and on a year-round basis, the Yankees partner with the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to support the Center’s programs in pediatric patient care, research and education via the New York Yankees Universe fund. Proceeds for the fund are generated by donations and via sales of Yankees Universe t-shirts and membership plans available at yankees.com. Generated funds support pediatric cancer research and care, helping to contribute to advances in the treatment of children with cancer.

Oakland Athletics

In recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, A's players Lawrence Butler, Zack Gelof, Tony Kemp, and Brent Rooker visited patients at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital and, in partnership with Starlight Children's Foundation, gifted them with a new VR headset. The A's will commemorate Childhood Cancer Awareness Day at the Coliseum on Sunday, Sept. 3. As part of the day, the A's will host 14-year-old leukemia survivor Jayden Zentner and his family at the ballpark. Jayden, who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2013 at the age of 4, will meet A's players during pregame warmups and throw out the game's ceremonial first pitch. Additionally, the A's will highlight the UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals Foundation as the Nonprofit Partner of the Game and partial proceeds from every special event ticket sold for the A's Childhood Cancer Awareness Day matchup will benefit Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area. 

Philadelphia Phillies

The Phillies will host their seventh consecutive Childhood Cancer Awareness Night presented by Nemours Children’s Health on Saturday, September 9, before that evening’s game against the Marlins. Many heartwarming moments will be featured during the ballpark-wide Go Gold event including a “Phillies Lineup of Courage,” where local children who are battling or have battled cancer will take the field with players for the national anthem. 

In addition, a large Phillies Go Gold ribbon will be stretched across center field, honoring all those in the fight against childhood cancer and held by family members whose children lost their battle to cancer. Highlights also include a ceremonial Go Gold home run, where a local child battling cancer will have the honor of taking a swing and “hitting” a home run, then rounding the bases. 

Additional once-in-a-lifetime experiences for childhood cancer survivors include announcing the Phillies lineup, dancing with the Phanatic, being a guest DJ, and singing the national anthem and “Take Me Out to the Ballgame.” 

There will also be a special video played on PhanaVision, highlighting how childhood cancer has affected the Phillies family, with messages from second baseman Bryson Stott, who lost his high school best friend, Cooper Ricciardi, to cancer; Phillies bat boy Adam Crognale, who battled cancer when he was a teenager; and Christie and Chris Phelan, who started the Corey’s Promise foundation after losing their son Corey, a Phillies minor league pitcher, to cancer last year at the age of 20. Corey’s dad will also make a ceremonial first pitch, accompanied by his wife and sons. The Phelan family will watch the game from a suite donated by shortstop Trea Turner, a long-time supporter of the V Foundation for cancer research. Fans will also have the chance to support Corey’s Promise by purchasing t-shirts at the ballpark. 

In the 7^th inning fans will be invited to join the Phillies and “Stand Up to Cancer” as they hold up placards to show support of loved ones who are fighting cancer. The night also includes a Phillies Go Gold hat courtesy of Nemours Children’s Health through a Theme Night ticket offer.  

San Diego Padres

The San Diego Padres will host a pregame Home Plate Ceremony in conjunction with Ballast Point Brewing Company to co-present a check worth $50,000 to Rady Children’s Hospital. The team will also look to include kids from military families that are battling cancer throughout their pregame ceremony elements. Included in the pregame elements will be 6-year-old Noah, who is currently fighting Leukemia and has two parents serving in the United States Navy, as the Game Ball Delivery kid.

San Francisco Giants

The San Francisco Giants will host Pediatric Cancer Awareness Night on Friday, September 8. The Giants will wear a gold ribbon, the symbol of childhood cancer awareness, on their jerseys to raise awareness for this dreadful disease that impacts thousands of children each year. The Giants will be joined by oncology nurses and doctors and families with children living with cancer for the game and these guests will participate in a special meet and greet with Buster and Kristen Posey, along with Giants players and coaches. Additionally, the Giants will host a VIP event in Triples Alley complete with pediatric cancer awareness merchandise and will feature a Q&A with doctors, patients and the Posey family. Throughout the game on the scoreboard, headshots of the Giants players will be replaced with depictions of each player, hand-drawn by children with cancer from local hospitals. One special child will kick off the game with the “Play Ball” call and another will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Nine children living with a cancer diagnosis will “take the field” with the Giants as the game begins. 

St. Louis Cardinals

The St. Louis Cardinals, in partnership with MLB and the Starlight Children’s Foundation, will deliver a Virtual Reality Headset and other Cardinals themed goodies to patients at the Mercy Cardinals Kids Cancer Center on September 1^st.

Also on September 1, Steven Matz will host a group of families impacted by pediatric cancer and supported through the Jason Motte Foundation for a pregame field visit and meet & greet, as part of his TRU32 Player Ticket Program.

On September 3, the Cardinals will host pediatric cancer patients from Mercy for a pregame field visit. One patient will take part in a ceremony and throw out an honorary pitch in recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness month. The team is also hosting #Join4Joe, an annual marrow registry event with Be the Match, in honor of the late Cardinals beat writer, Joe Strauss.  The Strauss family will participate in a pregame ceremony to recognize a young cancer patient who is now in remission thanks to a marrow donor.

Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays will recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness Day on September 5, when they take on the Boston Red Sox at Tropicana Field. On August 25, the Rays and the Starlight Foundation donated a special VR Headset to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children, in honor of the annual event bringing awareness to cancers affecting children. A video of the donation will be highlighted during the September 5 home game and on social media.

Texas Rangers

On Saturday, September 2, the Texas Rangers, with support from first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, will raise awareness for childhood cancer during the team’s 6:15 game against the Minnesota Twins at Globe Life Field. During pregame festivities, the Rangers and partner American Airlines will host around 150 children’s cancer warriors/survivors and caregivers. The caregivers and children from Medical City Children’s Hospital, Wipe Out Kids Cancer, Hope Kids, Make-A-Wish North Texas, and Leukemia Texas will form a gold ribbon on the field prior to the game. Upon entrance to Globe Life Field, fans will receive Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) placards and will be welcome to their own customizable placards located throughout the ballpark. Additionally, fans can sign a large vinyl SU2C sign located near Section 110. The game will pause at the conclusion of the third inning to honor those currently battling cancer, survivors, and those we have lost. Proceeds from the Texas 2 Split 50/50 Raffle presented by Kroger will benefit Stand Up To Cancer. 

Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays will honour Childhood Cancer Awareness Day on Friday, Sept. 8 when the Blue Jays host the Kansas City Royals.  The club will welcome Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital at the game, with one of the young patients throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.  On September 3, Blue Jays players will wear yellow ribbon patches and wristbands, along with the rest of the League, and will share unique content across its social media platforms to help drive awareness for the cause.