Cause-Based Programs that Support Cancer Research, Community Service,
Youth Development and Veterans to be Highlighted from Games One through FourOctober 25, 2010 – Major League Baseball will dedicate Games One through Four of the World Series to several cause-based programs that support cancer research, community service, youth development and veterans, as part of the league’s continuing focus to highlight important charitable initiatives. MLB will celebrate Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) (www.standup2cancer.org), the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet (www.chevy.com/clemente), Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) presented by KPMG (www.mlb.com/rbi), Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org) and Welcome Back Veterans (www.welcomebackveterans.org).
“The broad appeal of the World Series gives us an incredible opportunity to raise awareness for programs that make a difference in the lives of others,” said Baseball Commissioner Allan H. (Bud) Selig. “This is a continuation of Major League Baseball’s efforts to promote these important and wide-ranging issues that impact millions of our fans across the country and around the world.”
Game One – Cancer Research: Stand Up To Cancer
Game One of the 2010 World Series will highlight Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C), as MLB will promote the importance of joining the fight against cancer. Major League Baseball will broadcast a Stand Up To Cancer public service announcement (PSA) in the ballpark, on television, on MLB.com and on MLB Network featuring actor Jake Gyllenhaal. Fans in the stadium will then be asked to stand in unison as the PSA directs fans to StandUp2Cancer.org encouraging them to participate in “The Constellation” program, which is a tribute space to honor anyone who has received a cancer diagnosis. Additionally, players from both the San Francisco Giants and Texas Rangers will sign a large memorial wall in tribute to friends and family members impacted by cancer. Players, MLB executives and SU2C dignitaries will also visit patients at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center to spend time with patients battling cancer.
Major League Baseball is a founding donor to Stand Up To Cancer and has pledged $30 million in donations to the organization, $10 million of which was the first commitment made to the group in 2008. Major League Baseball also participated in the second Stand Up To Cancer telethon, which generated more than $80 million in pledges for cancer research.
Game Two – Giving Back & Community Service: Roberto Clemente Legacy
The winner of the Roberto Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet will be announced prior to Game Two. Bestowed annually to the Major League Baseball player who combines a dedication to giving back to the community with outstanding skills on the baseball field, the Roberto
Clemente Award presented by Chevrolet recognizes players who best represent the game of baseball through sportsmanship, community involvement and positive contributions to their Clubs. The Award is named for the 12-time All-Star and Hall of Famer who died in a plane crash on New Year’s Eve 1972 while attempting to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua. The Award pays tribute to Clemente’s achievements and character by recognizing current players who truly understand the value of helping others.
MLB Goodwill Ambassador and wife of the late Roberto Clemente, Vera Clemente, will join players and MLB executives at the Mission Education Center in San Francisco to speak to the young students about Roberto’s legacy and his dedication to giving back to others.
Game Three – Youth: Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities presented by KPMG/Boys & Girls Clubs of America/Pitch In For Baseball
Game Three will be dedicated to youth development as MLB recognizes the significance of the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) presented by KPMG program and Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Local young people from both programs will attend a “Wanna Play?” event and clinic at the Youth Field at Rangers Ballpark, 1201 Nolan Ryan Highway, Arlington, TX on the day of Game Three. “Wanna Play?” is a program dedicated to youth fitness, and encourages boys and girls ages 6 to 12 to increase their overall fitness and nutrition education through physical activity and while learning fundamental skills of baseball and softball through fun and engaging activities. 600 children from local RBI Boys & Girls Club Programs will be participating in the event and clinic. During the clinic, there will be an equipment donation to the participating leagues and a special international donation to Uganda Little League Baseball from Pitch In For Baseball (www.pitchinforbaseball.org), a non-profit organization for the collection and redistribution of new and gently used youth baseball and softball equipment to underserved communities around the world.
During an on-field pre-game presentation before Game Three, representatives of the championship teams from the 2010 RBI World Series presented by KPMG will be recognized. RBI is a program for young people from underserved communities and is designed to increase baseball and softball participation, encourage academic achievement and teach the value of teamwork. For this and all Games of the 2010 World Series, a youth from a local Boys & Girls Club will deliver the game ball to the mound.
Game Four – Veterans: Welcome Back Veterans
Game Four will highlight Welcome Back Veterans (welcomebackveterans.org), an MLB Charities initiative, in partnership with the McCormick and Entertainment Industry Foundations, designed to support returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families in helping them make a successful transition to civilian life. MLB has already donated more than $10 million to this effort, including funds raised from auctions of game-used products and the donation of sales from Stars & Stripes caps. Recognition for welcomebackveterans.org at the World Series will feature special pre-game and in-game ceremonies, broadcasting of the welcomebackveterans.org PSA featuring Actor Matthew McConaughey, and a visit to the VA North Texas Health Care System in Dallas.
In addition to a number of other school and hospital visits throughout Games One through Four, Major Baseball and Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) will incorporate a wide variety of environmentally sensitive efforts that include: “MLB Green Teams” during all World Series games collecting refuse for recycling and supplementing existing recycling programs; raising public awareness to educate fans about how to become more environmentally sensitive via online materials and PSAs; prioritizing bio-based products and recycled content materials at events throughout the World Series; and addressing energy usage through efficiency measures and by investing in renewable energy offsets.
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Contact: Dan Queen or Steve Arocho, Major League Baseball, (212) 931-7878