MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS TRUST 2018 ANNUAL REPORT
22 YEARS
OF GIVING
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MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS TRUST
HISTORY OF THE PLAYERS TRUST In 1996, Major Leaguers created the Players Trust as a vehicle to channel our collective voices and caring, and to raise awareness and provide funds for important causes around the world. In the last 22 years we have increased our scope to support those causes players are passionate about. Yet, even as we’ve grown, what was true at the Trust’s inception remains true today; all Major Leaguers are passionate about improving the lives of those in need.
2018 ANNUAL REPORT
SINCE ITS FORMATION IN 1996, THE PLAYERS TRUST HAS: Distributed more than $25 million to over 1250 charities; Responded to crises, domestically and internationally, with both financial and in-person support to aid in the immediate and longterm recovery efforts in areas struck by national disasters; Contributed over $1 million dollars to charities in places that Major Leaguers call home; Provided instruction to inner city youth in baseball and important life-skills through clinics; Came together to raise awareness for communities and populations in need. Players are grateful that their “celebrity” status affords them unique opportunities to raise awareness and inspire others to act. They embrace this important responsibility. It is a reward for them to be able to assist people from across the globe and address the needs of underserved populations domestically and internationally. The Trust’s work continues to evolve and change as the needs of our communities change. In the pages that follow, you’ll learn more about our key service areas, diverse programs, and dedicated partners.
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MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS TRUST
THE PLAYERS TRUST MISSION… “Engage, equip, and empower the next generation of kids and aspiring baseball and softball players with programming that focuses on education, mentorship, and skill development on and off the diamond; Support charitable causes and philanthropic endeavors of personal importance to individual Players and the membership as a whole; And Help communities Players call home that suffer unforeseen difficulties and challenges.”
2018 ANNUAL REPORT
WHAT IS THE PLAYERS TRUST? THE TRUST IS THE CHARITABLE ARM OF THE MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION. Major Leaguers care deeply about the places where they live and work. The Players Trust was the first 501 (c) 3 charitable foundation in professional sports run by the players themselves. For over 20 years, the Players have been committed to making a difference in their communities by contributing time, money, and celebrity to call attention to important issues affecting those in need and encouraging others to get involved as well. Players recognize their unique position; and understand and appreciate that their status as Major Leaguers provides a platform to make a positive impact. They take that responsibility to heart. The Trust does not replace players’ individual charitable efforts in their communities, but rather provides a collective voice for players; it amplifies their ability to impact the world around us through our actions and words. Players lead by example; they know that through the Trust
they can inspire others to get involved with causes in which they are passionate about. The Trust makes a real difference on a daily basis. As a result of the programming, men and women in the military serving overseas have had the opportunity to be reunited with their families at home, underserved populations are being treated to incredible baseball experiences and safe places to play, and lives around the world are being changed through medical and financial assistance.
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MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS TRUST
OUR CAUSES & COMMUNITIES SUPPORTED IN 2018, THE PLAYERS TRUST PARTNERED UP WITH ORGANIZATIONS AND CAUSES THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO PLAYERS:
DISASTER RELIEF
EDUCATION
MILITARY
YOUTH
HEALTH & MENTAL WELLNESS
2018 ANNUAL REPORT
2018 PROGRAMS & PARTNERSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
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MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS TRUST
On April 15, universally known as Jackie Robinson Day, the Players Trust continued its annual donation of $42,000 to the Jackie Robinson Foundation. For the third year in a row, the Players Trust aided the Jackie Robinson Foundation in its mission to help advance higher education through multi-year college scholarships and attendant support services.
2018 ANNUAL REPORT
For the second year in a row, as a part of the All-Star Legacy Initiative, the Players Trust has teamed up with KaBOOM! donating a grant of $106,000 in order to build a new playground in a inner city in the D.C. community. KaBOOM! is a national nonprofit dedicated to ensuring that all kids get the childhood they deserve filled with balanced and active play through “safe playces”, so they can thrive. In September, the Players Trust visited the students of Elsie Whitlow Stokes as the kids designed their “perfect playground.” Later that evening, our Buses for Baseball Program provided transportation, tickets and food vouchers to attend a Nationals game.
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MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS TRUST
New in 2018, the Players Trust partnered with United Through Reading, a non-profit organization whose mission is to unite military families facing physical separation by facilitating the bonding experience of reading aloud together. Through a $150,000 grant, the Players Trust was able to sponsor and adopt 30 different ship and command locations on behalf of all Players, which permit service men and women to videorecord themselves reading aloud to their children. In November of 2018, many players who participated in the Japan All-Star Series participated in readings with men and service women based out of Pearl Harbor Hikkam in Honolulu, Hawaii, and children across the United States whose family members are deployed will receive these recordings along with autographed copies of the books from the Players.
2018 ANNUAL REPORT
MEDICINES FOR HUMANITY Since 2002, the Players Trust has provided support to Medicines for Humanity in the Dominican Republic, all funds utilized to purchase medicine and conduct health clinics in impoverished communities. In January 2018, Robinson Cano partnered up through his foundation along with Miguel Sano and visited 16 impoverished Dominican communities alongside Medicines for Humanity, where they distributed thousands of toys to children while sponsorship a health clinic for the community.
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MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS TRUST
Since 2006, the Players Trust has partnered with Esperanza International in the Dominican Republic to provide loans to women so they can start their own businesses, enabling them to develop financial independence, which serves as a mean to lift their families out of poverty.
2018 ANNUAL REPORT
RETURNING HOME DISASTER RELIEF The Players Trust announced in 2017 a $1 million donation to support disaster relief and recovery efforts as a result of numerous natural disasters that struck the United States and around the world. Immediately after, the Returning Home Initiative was launched to assist to promote and those impacted by the natural disasters return home.
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MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS TRUST
“As a native of Cuba, I personally want to thank all of the people associated with Friends of Caritas Cubana for their passion and determination to help make life better for those in need.” - Yonder Alonso | Cleveland Indians
“I am extremely excited to be playing games where I call home. The devastation of Hurricane Irma and Maria has been very difficult for all of us. To have an opportunity to play games and bring some smiles and happiness to the island is an honor for me. This contribution is an example that we are committed to continuing to help the island recover.” - José Berríos | Minnesota Twins
“Having the opportunity to return to Mexico as a professional baseball player and be involved with a donation from the Players Trust to help my country after two devastating earthquakes is very gratifying.” - Julio Urías | Los Angeles Dodgers
“We’re excited to be able to partner with an organization that is continuing to assist areas of need and hard-to-reach municipalities to provide food and supplies. The ability to also assist with creating job opportunities on the island to help us rebuild is something we are excited about being a part of. I feel blessed to be able to part of these games.” - Roberto Pérez | Cleveland Indians
2018 ANNUAL REPORT
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In 2018, the Players Trust donated to the following organizations through the
Returning Home Initiative Disaster Relief Fund, to show their commitment to helping those around the world impacted by the natural disasters in returning home.
$200,000
$50,000
$200,000
$50,000
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MAJOR MAJOR LEAGUE LEAGUE BASEBALL BASEBALL PLAYERS PLAYERS TRUST TRUST
MICHAEL WEINER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM The Trust is committed to honoring the late Michael Weiner’s legacy through the Michael Weiner Scholarship for Labor Studies. It provides a $10,000 scholarship to 5 law students each year. In 2018, the Trust disbursed $50,000 as they pursue their careers to defend worker’s rights. To date, $200,000 in Michael Weiner Scholarships have been awarded to deserving students across the United States.
“The Michael Weiner Scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to carry on the legacy of a man who tirelessly worked for the rights of players, his compassion and intelligence are attributes we hope to find by supporting these leaders of the future.” - Andrew Miller
2018 ANNUAL REPORT
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SPORTS ENVOY PROGRAM The Players Trust continued its partnership with the U.S. State Department’s, “Sports Envoy Program” for the 2nd year in a row. The Sports Envoy Program gives players the opportunity to grow the game internationally by hosting youth baseball clinics and events. This year’s global events and player participants included: Managua, Nicaragua – Jed Lowrie, John Mayberry Jr. and JC Ramirez Monterrey, Mexico – Francisco Cordero & Pedro Feliciano Tokyo, Japan – Ronald Acuña Jr., Rhys Hoskins, Kiké Hernandez & Whit Merrifield
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MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS TRUST
YOUTH PROGRAMMING During All-Star Week, the players conducted a baseball
clinic and coaches clinic for local D.C. kids and coaches. This event was hosted by former players who continue to have a passion for the next generation of players.Â
COACHES CLINIC The Players Trust first hosted a coaches clinic for local Washington D.C. area youth coaches. This was followed by a panel discussion on the state of youth baseball development.
YOUTH CLINIC The following day, the Players Trust hosted 60 girls and boys ages 8-12 to participate in a youth clinic at St. Albans’ baseball field in Washington, D.C.
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MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS TRUST
PLAYERS CHOICE AWARDS Since 1992, Major Leaguers have been recognizing the on and off-field achievements of their peers through the Players Choice Awards. Through the Players Choice Awards, the Players Trust has contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars annually to charitable organizations personally selected by the award winners. The Players honor the outstanding player, rookie, pitcher and comeback player in each league. Two additional awards that bestow top honors without regard to league are overall Player of the Year, and Marvin Miller Man of the Year, named for the founding Executive Director of the MLBPA and given to the players whose excellence on and off the field most inspires other to higher levels of achievement. In addition, each team’s Marvin Miller Man of the Year nominee, as selected by his teammates, designates a charitable organization to receive a $2,500 Trust grant in his honor.
2018 ANNUAL REPORT
2018
WINNERS J.D. Martinez Player of the Year Curtis Granderson Marvin Miller Man of the Year Mookie Betts Outstanding Player (AL) Christian Yelich Outstanding Player (NL) Blake Snell Outstanding Pitcher (AL) Jacob DeGrom Outstanding Pitcher (NL) Miguel Andujar Outstanding Rookie (AL) Ronald Acuña Jr. Outstanding Rookie (NL) Michael Brantley Comeback Player (AL) Matt Kemp Comeback Player (NL)
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MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS TRUST
2018
BENEFICIARIES Amateur Baseball Dev Group Angel Fund Aquinas College Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation ASPCA Athletes and Causes Atlanta Baseball Foundation Baseball Assistance Team Baseball Chapel Baseball for Life NC, Inc. Begin Again Foundation Big Brothers Big Sisters San Diego Big League Impact Blossom Hill Foundation Inc Boston College Boys & Girls Clubs of Highland City Boys Hope Girls Hope of AZ Brian Duensing Foundation C2K Ministries Cal Poly State University Foundation Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation Cambridge Christian School Cannonball Kids Cancer Chapman University Children’s Hospital of Colorado Chris Hixon Athletic Scholarship Fdn Church at Brook Hills Citizens Against Violence College of William & Mary Fdn Colorectal Cancer Alliance Defending The Blue Line Denard Span Foundation Inc Double Nickel Foundation Eckerd College Ed Randall’s Fans for the Cure Episcopal High School Esperanza International Foundation Estrella Youth Sports Fairfax Community Church Falmouth Youth Baseball League FAMU Feeding America Feeding Cleburne Fellowship of Christian Athletes
First Baptist Church - Ft. Oglethorpe Fordham University Friends of Caritas Cubana Fundacion 4, Inc. Georgia Tech Athletic Association Giants Community Fund Girard Youth Activities Greater Cleveland Food Bank Hamels Foundation Hanahan Athletic Booster Club Hand-Up Inc. DBA VAC Hawaii Community Foundation HEARTS Help One Now Henley Foundation High Socks for Hope Highlands Community Church Hope & Heroes Children’s Cancer Fund Hope Animal Rescues International Justice Mission Iowa State University - Ames Jackie Robinson Foundation Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation Johan Santana Foundation Josh Willingham Foundation KA-BOOM! Kelso Public Schools FND Kendall County Jr. Livestock Kershaw’s Challenge Lapeer Church of Christ Las Vegas High School Baseball Lee High School Live Love Lutheran World Relief, Inc. Main Sporting Goods Manatee Technical College Marquis Grissom Baseball Assn. Maui Humane Society Medicines for Humanity Men of St. Brigids’ Catholic Church Mentoring Viable Prospects, Inc. Mercy Health Foundation Metropolitan Ministries, Inc. Miami University
Mike Coolbaugh Diamond Dreams Mikie Mahtook Foundation Millville Thunderbolt Club Mission 108 MLBPAA Mont Belvieu Assembly of God Mount Pigsah Lodge 53 Muhlenberg College National Christian Charitable Foundation Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic New Destiny Christian Center North Way Baptist Church Northern Virginia Community College Orthodox Presbyterian Church Path Project, Inc. Pawsitive Ohio Pedro Martinez Foundation Penn State IFC PitCCh In Foundation Pitch In Foundation Players Philanthropic Fund Prader-Willi Syndrome Association Pro Athlete Outreach Pro Travel International Project One Four Puppy Rescue Mission Radio Jesus Es El Senor RBI Austin RBI Cudas Baseball Association Renovation in Music Education Robinson Chirinos Foundation Royals Charities Funds Sacred Heart Catholic Church Saint Brigids Catholic Church Sammy’s Superhero’s Sandlot Nation SAU Athletics Foundation School of Imagination Scottsdale Christian Academy Servant Foundation Seton Hall University Sewanee: University of the South Seward County Community College Share Our Strength
Shockers Youth Sports Dev Inc Skidmore College South End Community Center Southwest Boys Club St Thomas Moore Catholic Parish St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital St. Petersburg College St. Rita’s R.C. Church Stacey & Bo Porter SELF Foundation Stanford University School of Law State College of Florida Foundation Still Got Game Foundation Stockings with Care Inc Strike 3 Foundation Sufficient Grace, Inc. Sun Valley Community Church Team IMPACT Team Sports Scottsdale Christian Academy Teammates for Kids Foundation Temple University The Childrens SPOT at St. Lukes Trinity University Triple Crown Sports Academy Tsunami Waves Foundation Turn 2 Foundation U Deserve a Chance Foundation UCLA Foundation Unclub Ministries United Through Reading University of Delaware University of Florida University of Georgia Foundation University of Miami University of Michigan University of New England Biddeford University of Notre Dame University of Southern California University of Southern Maine University of Washington University of Wisconsin Madison Unlimited Potential USA Baseball Vietnam Veterans Workshop
2018 ANNUAL REPORT
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2018
FINANCIAL REPORT EXPENSES
OPENING BALANCE AS OF 1/1/2018 $ 7,428,655.00
Programs, Grants & Scholarships Action Team Scholarship Buses for Baseball
Through Dec. 31 $ 52,000.00 $ 654.50
RECEIPTS Player Donations
ED Fund Grants & Expenses
$ 56,688.23
Player Contributions
Water Mission
$ 50,000.00
Checking and Investments
Friends of Caritas Cubana
$50,000.00
TOTAL
Feeding America
$ 200,000.00
Esperanza International
$ 100,000.00
United Through Reading
$ 150,000.00
Jackie Robinson Foundation Matching Grants Matching Equipment Grants KaBoom
$ 42,000.00 $ 331,546.28 $ 25,672.33 $ 106,000.00
Medicines for Humanity
$ 48,050.00
Michael Weiner Scholarship
$ 50,000.00
Donor Advised Funds All-Star Event Players Choice Awards
$ 102,937.00 $ 82,721.15 $ 128,730.47
Administration General Administration & Bank Fees Mailing
$ 19,345.79 $5,213.12
Consultant Fees
$ 64,000.00
Professional Fees
$ 31,499.44
Media & Website
$ 26,119.48
Salaries & Benefits
$ 204,727.09
Travel and Expenses
$ 40,674.25
Trust Meetings
$ 41,338.59
TOTAL
$ 3,826,480.72
CLOSING BALANCE AS OF 12/31/2018
$ 3,602,174.28
$ 1,733,543.00 $ 83,020.00 $ 1,816,563.00
MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYERS TRUST CARE . ACT . INSPIRE.
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212.826.0808
www.playerstrust.org
@MLBPlayersTrust