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Mets players are stepping up and providing relief to those impacted by the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Steven Matz, Pete Alonso, Jeff McNeil, Robinson Cano and Marcus Stroman have all tried to spread hope since spring training and the ensuing MLB season was delayed last month. They are asking those who are able to donate to various funds and help support the community as it combats the national emergency.
Matz set the bar high when he pledged a $32,000 donation on Friday to New York City first responders and hospitals fighting COVID-19 on the front lines. The Long Island native started a TRU32 charity in 2016 to honor members of the FDNY, NYPD and U.S. Military by inviting them to Mets games at Citi Field.
Now, he’s using that initiative to help hospitals in New York City and Long Island that have become flooded with patients being treated for the virus. Matz sent out the first of three donations to one of the hardest-hit hospitals in New York City, Elmhurst Hospital in Queens, which is about a 15-minute drive from Citi Field.
“Taylor [Matz’s wife] and I continue to be inspired by the countless selfless acts of our first responders, doctors, nurses, & medical staff in the war against COVID-19,” Matz said in a tweet. “Thank you for your bravery and dedication serving our community & your patients!”
Alonso, meanwhile, has been busy recording personalized videos for people that book a session with him on Cameo. A portion of each booking goes to Alonso’s foundation — Homers for Heroes — and benefits wounded veterans. It’s a cause that is close to the first baseman’s heart after his paternal grandfather served for the United States Army in World War II and maternal grandfather served in the Marine Corps during the Korean War.
When Stroman isn’t throwing bullpen sessions on an insane set-up at his Tampa home, he’s using his apparel company, “Height Doesn’t Measure Heart,” to provide relief during these uncertain times. His HDMH Foundation, has been set up to support the Food Bank For New York City, the city’s leading hunger-relief organization, and Long Island Cares, the local food bank in Marcus’ hometown of Long Island, providing hunger assistance in both Nassau and Suffolk County.
“Our players recognize the challenges facing so many people, particularly in New York,” Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen said in a text. “Marcus and Pete have big personalities but even bigger hearts. Like so many of our players, their positive impact is felt far beyond the baseball field.”
McNeil has asked people to consider donating to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy (CDP) and in return, they enter a raffle to win a pair of signed cleats. Anyone who donates at least $25 will be entered to win cleats signed by McNeil. The winner will be selected randomly at the conclusion of the fundraising period. As of Sunday afternoon, $1,905 of the $10K goal had been reached.
In response to the outbreak, the CDP launched the COVID-19 Relief Fund to support social service organizations focused on helping hourly wage earners, workers in the gig economy, immigrant/New American populations, older adults, people with disabilities and other communities vulnerable to the physical and mental health and economic impacts of the pandemic.
Cano partnered with the CDC Foundation and donated to the Emergency Response Fund. It helps deploy emergency staffing with the skills required to meet the needs on the front lines at the state and local level and provides support to vulnerable communities — including people with underlying health conditions and those who are homeless — while boosting clinical tools to improve health outcomes among other needs.