August 14, 2007

CARDINALS PLAYERS DONATE TO “STRIKEOUTS FOR TROOPS”

ST. LOUIS, Mo., August 14, 2007 – Several St. Louis Cardinals players recently came together to raise funds to help the mission of the “Strikeouts for Troops” organization.  Founded by San Francisco Giants pitcher Barry Zito in April 2005, “Strikeouts for Troops” is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising money for our war wounded veterans that are being treated at military hospitals across the country.  Financial grants are made to troops who have been wounded to provide comforts of home that will help them in their rehabilitations.  Grants may also be used to help family members travel and visit their wounded service member in the hospital.

“I am grateful to Russ Springer and his teammates for joining with Strikeouts for Troops to help our injured soldiers and their families during an often long and difficult time of recovery,” said Zito.  “In a world where professional athletes are often portrayed as heroes, it’s easy to lose sight of who the real heroes are – the men and women in uniform stationed here at home and around the world who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice on a daily basis for us.”

Some of baseball’s biggest names have pledged to donate a certain amount with every strikeout thrown, home run, RBI or hit collected.  Cardinals relief pitcher Russ Springer became involved with Strikeouts for Troops last season and headed the efforts in the Cardinals clubhouse this year.  In addition to Springer, 11 other Cardinals players pledged a donation to the organization. 

“I’ve been to Walter Reed Army Medical Center, as have some of my teammates, and have personally seen the sacrifices that our soldiers have made for all of us in the name of freedom,” stated Springer. “They are the true heroes and it is my pleasure to offer support to these great men and women through Strikeout for Troops.”

Money for Strikeouts for Troops is raised through player donations, special events and fan donations.  In its 2 ½ years of existence, the organization has raised over half-a-million dollars with 100% of the funds raised going to support the troops.  For more information on Strikeouts for Troops or to make a donation, visit their website at www.strikeoutsfortroops.org