OK stay with me…..I’m gonna do this one backwards. Just read this part.
National League East
Freddie Freeman – Atlanta Braves
Freddie annually partners with the Melanoma Research Foundation to help raise awareness and educate others on how to reduce potential risks of developing melanoma. To reinforce his message of taking the precautionary measures he discusses, he wears sun-protective sleeves every game.
Martin Prado – Miami Marlins
A 13-year veteran on a young Marlins team, Martin is valued by his fellow players for his leadership and professionalism in the clubhouse. His philanthropic player program, Very Prado You, gives student-athletes the experience of major league batting practice and other gameday incentives.
Jose Reyes – New York Mets
In his 16th season, Jose earned the respect of his teammates with the professionalism he demonstrated in transitioning from everyday player to role player. He took on the responsibility of mentoring young players, including the Mets’ promising young shortstop Amed Rosario.
Rhys Hoskins – Philadelphia Phillies
Rhys, who is emerging as a young leader on the Phillies, has been involved with the Muscular Dystrophy Association since high school. Initially an MDA Summer Camp counselor, he immediately joined the Philadelphia chapter upon his call up to the big leagues and has hosted multiple events for the organization.
Ryan Zimmerman – Washington Nationals
Since 2006 the ziMS Foundation has donated funds to support and educational programs for treatment and finding a cure for Multiple Sclerosis. ziMS is purely volunteer-based and has raised over $3.5 million over the last 13 years. Ryan also supports youth baseball.
(via MLBPlayers.com, and I made the text orange)
Ok so what are we looking at? Well….
Through their collective charity, players pool resources to support efforts that provide hope, sustainability and lasting change around the world, especially in the many places players call home. Players direct grants to the wide range of causes they support – from disaster relief to health and human services to growing baseball in the United States and abroad.
The three finalists for each of the 10 Players Choice Awards will be announced in the coming weeks and the winners will be announced on the evening of Nov. 27.
The Players Choice Awards are held in high regard by players because the winners are selected in balloting among their peers.
So….the Mets players voted for The Virus. The Virus is being recognized for…….not for donating funds to fight MS, not being involved with MDA, not encouraging student athletes, not to help melanoma awareness. He is being recognized for being cool to Rosario. And his teammates voted this.
Nelson Cruz says hi
Nelson Cruz – Seattle Mariners
Nelson’s compassion ranges from promoting education to ensuring the most vulnerable people of his hometown of Las Matas de Santa Cruz in the Dominican Republic have the necessities to lead safe, healthy lives. To date, he has sent two ambulances, a fire truck, wheel chairs, medicines, school supplies and baseball equipment back home and he is currently raising money to build a police precinct on property he purchased. Link.
