DALLAS -- Rangers designated hitter Joc Pederson found himself courtside at the American Airlines Center on Wednesday night, watching the hometown Dallas Mavericks face off against the New York Knicks.
But on the Friday before Thanksgiving, Pederson -- who is entering the second and final year of his contract with the Rangers -- passed out turkeys, pies and other traditional Thanksgiving foods and sides to families in need at the Texas Rangers Youth Academy at Mercy Street Sports Complex.
The Texas Rangers Youth Academy partnered with Buckner International and Kroger to host the 8th annual Thanksgiving Turkey Distribution event where the meals were provided to hundreds of local families.
For Pederson, being part of the DFW community is what’s most important during the holidays, especially as his children reach the age where they start to understand the contributions they can make to their communities.
“It's a fun deal,” Pederson said. “This is great, the family is having a great time. They're getting old enough, and it's awesome that the Rangers are putting this on to give back to the community, and I’m glad I could just be a part of it and bring the kids and show them what the Rangers are about and what this community is all about. We explained it to them on the way and I think learning, teaching through experience, I think is awesome for them to grow up with.”
Former Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien, as well as Rangers Sports Network broadcasters Jared Sandler and Laura Stickells joined Pederson on site at the Youth Academy to help distribute food at the event. Semien was traded to the Mets just days later.
Semien and his family were mainstays at the event during his Rangers tenure, and he often talked about how important it is for him to be involved in Youth Academy events throughout the year.
“The line is long, so that makes me happy,” Semien said ahead of the event. “We love having as many people as we can help. I love to help. I just thank the Rangers for opening their doors, allowing people to just enjoy a good meal for Thanksgiving. That's what a lot of Americans love to do. I know that it's not necessarily realistic for some people. So if we can help out, I’m glad we can.”