MLB community unites for Stand Up To Cancer tribute

A longstanding staple of Major League Baseball’s jewel events is the Stand Up To Cancer moment, when play stops at the end of the fifth inning and the focus shifts to a topic that most would agree is bigger than the game.

It’s nearly impossible to find someone who has not been affected by cancer, whether it’s an individual afflicted with the disease, a family member or friend who is helping someone through the ordeal or people who are grieving the loss of loved ones.

For the past 15 years, Major League Baseball, all 30 clubs, Stand Up To Cancer and Mastercard have made it a priority to honor the fight against the disease, placing the spotlight on the very important innovative cancer research programs that have saved countless lives. To date, the partnership has led to more than $50 million committed to these programs.

During Game 4 of the World Series at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday night, players, umpires, coaches, managers and fans held up placards with the names of their loved ones affected by cancer. The moment aired live on FOX, with SU2C co-founders attending, including Katie Couric, Rusty Robertson, Sue Schwartz, Lisa Paulsen and Pam Williams.

Stars from both the Yankees and Dodgers also shared the names on their placards in a short video that was filmed ahead of time and aired on MLB’s social media channels and a commercial during the game. Aaron Judge’s placard read, “Uncle Frank,” and before the game he added, “Mason.” Mookie Betts wrote “Pat Patterson” on his.

Freddie Freeman: “My mom.” Jack Flaherty: “My mother.” Jazz Chisholm Jr.: “Aunty.” Kiké Hernández: “Mi Papá.” Both managers – Aaron Boone and Dave Roberts – wrote the same name on their placards: “Jake.”

Inside the stadium, Roberts’ placard said “Charley Steiner,” in honor of the longtime Dodgers announcer who recently confirmed his cancer is in remission. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred wrote “Billy Bean” on his placard, in memory of the former player and baseball executive who passed away from leukemia on Aug. 6.

Mastercard presented Stand Up To Cancer with a $5 million donation, made possible by taps and online orders of cardholders this summer. Additionally, Mastercard has surprised individuals impacted by cancer to walk on-field during the pregame ceremonies where they stood together and held up a banner in support of groundbreaking cancer research and standing up for loved ones.

Learn more about SU2C at StandUptoCancer.org/MLB.