Who would have thought when the year started that a pandemic would not only cause thousands of deaths, but also stop global economy and suspend major public gatherings? Sadly, that is our current reality. MLB was one of the prominent professional leagues that suspended its operations, and the New York Mets, as well as the other 29 teams, are in wait-and-see mode.
Thankfully, athletes are stepping up and doing their best to help combat the spread of the coronavirus and mitigate its effect on people. That’s the case of Steven Matz, a Mets’ pitcher known for his philanthropist acts.
The New York Mets’ southpaw announced that he will be donating $32,000 to New York City first responders and hospitals currently fighting COVID-19 on the front lines, risking their lives and their health.
The Mets’ pitcher charitable ways
Matz has a charity that is now four years old. Its name is TRU32, and it is a way for him to, according to MLB.com, “honor local firefighters, police officers and military members by inviting them to Mets games at Citi Field. It has since expanded to include an annual fundraiser in conjunction with the FDNY Foundation, allowing Matz to finance scholarships for children with a parent killed or severely injured in the line of duty.”
However, current circumstances require more help, and Matz is ready to deliver. As a result of the current COVID-19 outbreak, the Mets’ hurler will be expanding the scope of his operation.
“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 wrote in a tweet. “Thank you for your bravery and dedication serving our community & your patients!â€
“The first of three donations just went out to one of the hardest-hit hospitals in NYC, Elmhurst Hospital in Queens, so close to our Citi Field. Please consider joining us in supporting them: http://supportelmhurst.org/donate Thank you & please stay safe! #COVID19Pandemic #TRU32 #LGM,” he tweeted.
Matz has been the Mets’ nominee to the Roberto Clemente award in the last two seasons.