MLB rallies behind Parkland after tragic school shooting

Major League Baseball joined the nation in rallying behind the Parkland, Fla., community in the aftermath of last week's shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that killed 17 people.
All across the Grapefruit League and Cactus League, players wore Stoneman Douglas hats as teams took the field for the first Spring Training games of 2018. Signed caps will be auctioned with proceeds going toward the Broward Education Foundation, which benefits the official Stoneman Douglas Victims' Fund.
Below is a closer look at how clubs and players showed support and aided in the healing process for the survivors of the tragedy:
Marlins, Cardinals host Stoneman Douglas teams
The Stoneman Douglas baseball and softball teams and their families were on hand as guests for the Marlins' and Cardinals' spring opener in Jupiter, Fla. The visit included a 17-second moment of silence before the national anthem to honor the 17 victims who lost their lives in the shooting.
"When there's tragedy, one thing you realize is communities rally around sports," said Marlins chief executive officer Derek Jeter. "I know when I was in New York playing after Sept. 11, obviously, you will never forget what happened. But at least for three hours a day, we gave people something to cheer for." More »

Astros welcome Stoneman Douglas coach
The Astros hosted Todd Fitz-Gerald, the head baseball coach at Stoneman Douglas, his two sons, one of whom is a junior at the school, and his assistant coach at camp in West Palm Beach, Fla., on Friday. Fitz-Gerald and his son were with Houston general manager Jeff Luhnow when he presented the World Series trophy at a pregame ceremony before the club's spring opener against the Nationals.
"To be out here and be able to enjoy a day with these guys, I couldn't be more thankful," Fitz-Gerald said. More »

Stoneman Douglas students deliver Mets' lineup card
After a moment of silence for the victims, David Wright and a group of Stoneman Douglas students delivered the Mets' lineup card at home plate prior to New York's game against Braves.
"I'm just so thankful that Major League Baseball is with us," senior Devon Wiesenfeld said. "It's been really tough."

Rizzo moved by response to high school tragedy
Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo donned a Stoneman Douglas cap Friday for the first time since he graduated from the school in 2007. Rizzo traveled back to Florida to be with family and friends last week and spoke at a prayer vigil the day after the shooting.
"Everyone has come out of the woodwork to show their love and support for the community I live in, the school, the kids," he said. "It's been really nice to see people come out and approach me and go out of their way. It's much appreciated." More »