Strikeouts for the Troops

[Gypsy]

Just saw this on Fox, I like it! (even though baseball can put me to sleep!) Barry Zito (Oakland A's) will donate $100.00 for each strike out in the 2005 season to Strikeouts For Troops.

So far he's donated $300.00.

http://www.strikeoutsfortroops.org/

About Our Cause

Strikeouts for Troops™ is a national project of Oakland Athletics pitcher Barry Zito for the benefit of our war wounded troops being treated at Walter Reed Army Hospital, Bethesda Naval Hospital, and other military hospitals for injuries received during service in Iraq, Afghanistan and other assignments. During the 2005 Major League Baseball season, every time Barry Zito throws a strikeout, he will donate $100.00 to Strikeouts For Troops. He will also invite other major league pitchers to match his pledge.

Strikeouts For Troops provides funds for “comforts of home” for U.S Troops and will assist in providing travel and lodging expenses for soldiers’ families, so that they can visit and stay longer with their loved ones while being treated for their injuries. Additionally, Strikeouts For Troops will provide clothing (as many soldiers arrive with only the clothes on their back), meals, and entertainment to our wounded military. The Freedom Alliance, a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, will facilitate the delivery of resources to our wounded soldiers and families.

[jon448]

Wow...at least one pro baseball played making millions a year is giving back. Thats the one real difference I see between the NFL and MLB, in the NFL you see alot of guys giving back to their communities where as the MLB its relatively rare. I'm kind of curious what causes the difference.

[dennisw]

Barry is kind of a free spirit which in this case turns out to be a good thing. I notice on the special operations warrior foundation, the New York Yankees gave quite a bit. Also, in the Year in Special Operations 2004 edition, the Yankees also advertised. Never been a Yankee fan, but there a class act in many ways.

Also, Lincoln Park the rock group gave $75K to the special operations warrior foundation.

[The Reaper]

Despite his reputation, George Steinbrenner is an outstanding supporter of the military in general, and SOF in particular.

TR

[jon448]

Originally Posted by The Reaper

Despite his reputation, George Steinbrenner is an outstanding supporter of the military in general, and SOF in particular.

Despite my inherent dislike of Georgie... I'm a Sox diehard, its natural...
He seems to actually do quite a bit of charity work which changes my feelings about him as a person, although not as a baseball owner.

[Gypsy]

Thought I'd see if anyone else had joined Zito...only two. But, they've got some strike outs going!

Barry Zito, Oakland Athletics - May 11 vs. Boston Red Sox - 6 strikeouts

Curt Schilling, Boston Red Sox - April 23 vs. TB Devil Rays - 5 Strikeouts

C.C. Sabathia, Cleveland Indians - May 15 vs. Toronto Blue Jays - 5 strikeouts

[Gypsy]

And the A's are doing this...very cool.

http://www.strikeoutsfortroops.org/oakland_promo.htm

Press Release

Oakland A's Offer Special Ticket Promotion to Help Raise Funds for Barry Zito's Strikeouts For Troops

A's also set to host Silent Auction During Boston Series to benefit Strikeouts For Troops

OAKLAND, Calif. May 11, 2005 - The Oakland A's will offer fans two complimentary View Level tickets to the Memorial Day game on Monday, May 30 against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for every contribution of $50 or more to Barry Zito's "StrikeoutsforTroops," a national program that provides some 'comforts of home' to our wounded service members being treated at military hospitals. The 6:05 p.m. game will feature a post game pyrospectacular fireworks show.

Fans who make a donation at the www.strikeoutsfortroops.org website will receive a contribution receipt via email which can be taken to the A's Coliseum Box Office to redeem the two free game tickets.

"I am so proud that my team is supporting 'Strikeouts for Troops' to make a difference in the lives of our wounded soldiers, the true heroes in uniform," said Barry Zito. "Many are recovering in hospitals far from home and family - I saw this first hand when I recently had the honor of visiting Walter Reed Army Medical Center and spent time with our soldiers - most of them amputees ranging in age from 19-24."

Zito is contributing $100 for every batter he strikes out this season and has recently been joined in this effort by six time All Star pitcher Curt Schilling of the Boston Red Sox and two time All Star pitcher CC Sabathia of the Cleveland Indians, both who are matching his pledge.

In addition to the Memorial Day Promotion, the A's will host a Silent Auction during the Boston Red Sox series (May 16-18) on the concourse behind section 120 to benefit "Strikeouts for Troops."

This effort is funded by contributions to the "Strikeouts for Troops Fund" at The Community Foundation For the National Capital Region. (www.cfncr.org). Freedom Alliance, a national non-profit organization, tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the tax code, will help to distribute the funds to the troops.

Tickets for all A's home games can be purchased at all usual ticket outlets, including McAfee Coliseum Box Office, on-line at oaklandathletics.com and all Tickets.com outlets; or over the phone by calling (510) 762-BALL, (925) 762-BALL, (408) 998-2277, (530) 766-2277, (650) 478-2277, (415) 478-2277, (916) 766-2277 and (800) 225-2277 outside Northern California. Season, group and luxury suite tickets can be purchased by calling (510) 638-GoA?s (4627). Individual game tickets for the 2005 season are priced at $36 (plaza club), $35 (MVP), $28 (field level), $26 (plaza infield), $18 (plaza outfield), $10 (view level) and $9 (bleachers).