By Gordon “Goody” Tate
June 12, 2024
Creative Piece Starring the Former All-Star Pitcher and Boys & Girls Clubs Alumni Hall of Famer Will Debut Today in Ballparks; MLB and its Official Charitable Partner Have Collaborated On Nearly 60 Public Service Announcements Since 1997
Major League Baseball and Boys & Girls Clubs of America today announced the launch of “Legends Building Legendary Futures,” a new collaborative promotional spot featuring Boys & Girls Clubs Alumni Hall of Famer and former All-Star pitcher CC Sabathia. The creative, produced by MLB Network, highlights the impact the “legendary” mentors Boys & Girls Clubs of America has on young lives, whether they are a Baseball Legend (like Sabathia) or in another chosen career path. The spot launches today, running in ballparks, on national broadcasts and on all MLB digital and social platforms.
Now in the 28th year as the League’s official charitable partner, Boys & Girls Clubs of America has worked alongside Major League Baseball to create nearly 60 similar national spots for featuring Hall of Famers, All-Star and current stars of the game, including Ken Griffey Jr., Frank Robinson, Cal Ripken, Jr., Frank Thomas, Vladimir Guerrero, Pedro Martinez, David Ortiz, David Wright, Fernando Tatis Jr., Tim Anderson, Adam Jones, Chris Archer and Francisco Lindor. In 2012, CC was featured in this campaign in recognition of his induction to the Boys & Girls of America’s Alumni Hall of Fame.
“Boys & Girls Clubs of America was such a positive influence and experience in my life, so, it was an incredible honor to be a part of this special PSA,” said CC Sabathia “As a former Boys & Girls Club kid, I understand the value that each local chapter brings to the youth they serve, so the decision to be a part of this PSA and to have the opportunity to help grow awareness and participation in BGCA was an easy one.”
“This campaign perfectly demonstrates the lifelong impact that Boys & Girls Clubs of America has on its members, including a superstar Major League player like CC Sabathia,” said April Brown, Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility, Major League Baseball. “Through our MLB Together platform, we are proud to continue this wonderful tradition of highlighting the work by our official charity partner, especially as we continue to work together on career development and removing access barriers to playing our sport. We look forward to standing alongside the mentors and leaders who make a difference in the lives of Boys & Girls Club kids as they build their own legendary paths.”
“Boys & Girls Clubs of America is grateful for the longstanding partnership with MLB,” said Frank Sanchez, National Vice President of Business & Community Affairs for BGCA. “Being able to connect our brand through lifechanging PSAs that involve Club youth and highlight MLB players and BGCA alumni like CC is a testament to MLB’s dedication and collaboration leaving a long lasting impact in communities across the country.
The nearly three decade relationship has allowed MLB and Boys & Girls Clubs of America to touch lives through education access and after school programming, career mentoring and professional development opportunities, and providing access to our sport through MLB’s PLAY BALL initiative (www.PlayBall.org) and the Nike RBI program (www.MLB.com/rbi). Alumni of Boys & Girls Clubs have had the opportunity to perform the National Anthem during the World Series, deliver game balls for first pitches for the World Series & All-Star Game, and more.
COURTESY MLB MEDIA RELATIONS
