Academy Notebook: 2024 MLB All-Star Marcus Semien Summer Food Distribution

Texas Rangers’ Marcus Semien hosts seventh Summer Food Drive with teammates

Texas Rangers second baseman and 2024 MLB All-Star Marcus Semien, along with his family, hosted their seventh food donation of the summer Friday, Aug. 2. Several of Semien's Rangers teammates and their wives participated in the food drive, including Nathan Eovaldi, Robbie Grossman and Andrew Heaney.

This marks the second consecutive year that Marcus and his wife, Tarah, have partnered with the Rangers Foundation to support the summer programming at the Texas Rangers Youth Academy in Dallas. For eight consecutive Fridays each summer, the Semien family and their four children provide student-athletes with boxes filled with fresh produce and shelf-stable items as they head home from their baseball and softball training.

“Giving back to the community and supporting the young athletes at the Youth Academy is incredibly important to us,” Marcus said. “We are grateful for the support of our teammates and the Rangers Foundation in helping to make this initiative a success.”

The Texas Rangers Youth Academy provides a safe and supportive environment for young athletes to develop their skills, and the Semien family’s contribution ensures these students have access to nutritious food during the summer months.

QUICK HITS

Texas Rangers Youth Academy, Comerica Bank and Buckner International team up for Back-to-School Drive

• What it is: The Texas Rangers Youth Academy at Mercy Street Sports Complex, in partnership with Comerica Bank and Buckner International, hosted a Back-to-School distribution event, Thursday, Aug. 1.
• Why it matters: Supplies were distributed according to the specific needs of elementary and middle school students, ensuring each child received the appropriate materials for a successful school year.
• The big picture: These partnerships exemplify the power of community collaboration, helping to support local families and set students up for academic success.

Isaac Coleman, Class of ’25, invited to the Hank Aaron Invitational Showcase.

• What it is: Following a memorable experience at the Jackie Robinson Training Complex in Vero Beach, Fla., Texas Rangers Youth Academy student-athlete Isaac Coleman (Newman Smith High School), is one of 44 of the 120 participants from Week 2 of the 2024 Hank Aaron Invitational (HAI) selected to play in the annual HAI showcase game hosted at Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves, Saturday, Aug. 3.
• Why it matters: The 44 selected athletes – a number that pays homage to the number worn by the legendary Aaron throughout his Hall of Fame career – hail from across the nation and will represent their communities in the special showcase event airing on MLB Network.
• Go deeper: Recent Youth Academy participants in the Hank Aaron Invitational include Bryalon Hubbard (Class of ‘28), Kaleb Thompkins (Class of ‘25) and Evan Smith (Class of ‘26). More information on the Hank Aaron Invitational is at MLB.com.

Softball Athletes Experience Elite Training from Olympians

• What it is: Texas Rangers Youth Academy student-athletes Hailey Zuniga (Class of ‘26) and Shantia Haymer (Class of ‘25) were among the softball players taking part in the USA Softball Breakthrough Series in Kansas City, Mo. The program focuses on developing players on and off the field through seminars, mentorship, gameplay, scout evaluations, video coverage and the highest level of instruction.
• Why it matters: More than 30 elite high-school athletes across the U.S.A. and Puerto Rico experienced advanced training & mentorship from MLB Ambassadors, USA Softball Olympians, and current collegiate coaches.

Education & Buckner International Programming

The Texas Rangers Youth Academy goes beyond baseball and softball programming to benefit our community. With help from our partner Buckner International, the Academy hosts free education and enrichment courses for athletes and their families throughout the year.

Register Here for all Youth Academy classes.