MLB, Mets, Red Sox providing assistance in aftermath of Hurricane Fiona
In the aftermath of Hurricane Fiona, which impacted Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and other areas of the Caribbean earlier this month, MLB and the Baseball Assistance Team, as well as the Mets and Red Sox, are providing assistance to communities devastated by the Category 4 storm.
Hurricane Fiona lasted from Sept. 14-25, leaving widespread areas without power or running water. Just three days after Fiona finally dissipated, Hurricane Ian made landfall in Florida as a Category 4 storm Wednesday.
MLB has teamed up with the Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.) and American Airlines to host an onsite collection drive for the outer areas of Puerto Rico that were hit the hardest by Hurricane Fiona. In addition, B.A.T. posted a message on social media in which it pledged its support “to members of the Baseball Family in need who may have been impacted by Hurricane Fiona.”
The Mets organization has also pledged its support. The Amazin’ Mets Foundation, along with Mets players and coaches, will partner with Team Rubicon and Global Empowerment Mission to help in the relief efforts in Puerto Rico. Francisco Lindor has committed a $50,000 donation to Team Rubicon, while Mets owner and president of the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, Alex Cohen, will match that gift through the foundation. AMF will also match up to $50,000 for the Global Empowerment Mission.
There will also be a video featuring Mets players and coaches to encourage fans to donate to hurricane relief efforts. Lindor, along with teammates Tomas Nido and Edwin Díaz and coach Joey Cora, will appear in the video, which will be played on the Citi Field scoreboard during games. It will also air on SNY and Mets social media channels. At the end of the video, there will be a QR code for fans that will direct to Mets.com/hurricanerelief.
The Red Sox, who delivered nearly 10 tons of supplies to Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria in 2018, are collecting donations and supplies for Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic at all Fenway Park gates beginning Wednesday and running through the final game of the regular season on Oct. 5. Fans can donate from the time the ballpark’s gates open through the second inning on game days. During non-game hours, donations and supplies will be collected at Gate D on Jersey Street. Fans who would like to donate online can visit redsoxfoundation.org/relief.
Additional clubs are expected to pledge support in the coming days and weeks as well.
MLB, which has a partnership with the American Red Cross, has a long history of offering support following tragedies. It will closely monitor the impact of Hurricane Ian and will formulate a plan to offer assistance.