This week for the These Dads Are Doing It Right series I want to highlight current and former MLB players and their foundations. These baseball players are helping out communities and creating a big impact in those communities. You can check out the websites that are connected to these baseball players. In addition, if there are any other dads that you think we should check out leave their name and info in the comment section below.
Baseball Players Helping Out Communities
Jake Burger
At The Burger Family Foundation, they empower families with disabilities through direct support and transformative community programs. Inspired by their daughter Penelope and the extra 21st chromosome that makes her uniquely special, their mission is to celebrate every ability. They have already making an impact. They are doing this with initiatives like hosting Down Syndrome Day at Globe Life Field (Texas Rangers). Plus there is their exclusive #21 apparel collection. In addition their therapeutic ranch concept is coming soon. Join them in building a more inclusive future by donating, volunteering, or learning more today.
Rhys Hoskins
Rhys Hoskins was named the 2024 Players Trust Philanthropist of the Year Award. Hoskins and his wife, Jayme have been dedicated to the MDA community since their teenage years when they both served as MDA camp counselors. Since then Rhys and Jayme have continued their work with the MDA throughout Rhys’ major league career. Since joining the Brewers in 2024, the Hoskins have continued their support of the MDA by hosting 100 families at a Brewers game and organizing a meet-and-greet for 60 of those guests.
Pedro Martinez
Pedro’s commitment to providing support, assistance, and educational programs that positively impacts the lives of children and families in low income communities began with a donation of land in the Dominican Republic that would evolve into a community center that would serve thousands of children and families. In 2007, the first program launched – Hay Poder en Aprender (There is Power in Learning) and brought new life to the community.
Each day, children who otherwise faced abuse, hunger, teen pregnancy, or crime, rushed through the doors to receive education and healthy meals, participate in arts, sports, and recreation, and most importantly, to feel loved. With a holistic approach to education, our children began developing a sense of identity and empowerment while receiving education and life skills through our over 60 programs at the foundation.
Derek Jeter
In 1996, during his rookie season with the New York Yankees, Derek Jeter and his father, Dr. Charles Jeter, created the Turn 2 Foundation to motivate young people to turn away from drugs and alcohol and “Turn 2” healthy lifestyles. When the Foundation was born, Derek drew inspiration from his father’s experience as a drug and alcohol abuse counselor whose work had helped so many people overcome substance abuse. Derek recognized that motivating young people to rise above negative influences was key to helping them reach their full potential and, with his father’s help, made it a cornerstone of Turn 2.
Turn 2’s mission is to create and support signature programs and activities that motivate young people to turn away from drugs and alcohol and “Turn 2” healthy lifestyles. Through these ventures, the Foundation strives to create outlets that promote and reward academic excellence, leadership development and positive behavior. Turn 2’s goal is to see the children of these programs grow safely and successfully into adulthood and become the leaders of tomorrow.