More than 1,400 players, coaches and managers from all 30 MLB Clubs have collectively pledged a record donation of $2,523,650 to the Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.) during the organization’s 12th annual Spring Training Fundraising Tour to raise money for members of the Baseball Family in need of assistance. The donations will be made through the MLB Payroll Deduction Program, allowing players to provide funding for B.A.T. throughout the course of the season. Collective donations from players in the Cactus League ($1,297,900) and Grapefruit League ($1,225,750) set records for each respective Spring Training site. This year’s tour brought the Spring Training fundraising total to more than $17 million pledged over twelve years.

During the tour, B.A.T. representatives and former All-Stars, including President Randy Winn, Vice President Bob Watson, Sal Bando and “Sudden” Sam McDowell, visited various clubhouses to inform and educate Clubs on the mission of B.A.T. and the support the organization provides. They were joined by several B.A.T. grant recipients who shared stories of the positive effects B.A.T. has had on their lives and the lives of their family members.

Several MLB players provided their reactions to the B.A.T. Spring Training presentations via Twitter:

@DatDudeBP (Cincinnati Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips): “#ALLREADY! Thanks again 4 all u do 4 the #BaseballFamily”

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