Carlos Beltran recorded a hit and three RBIs on Wednesday, helping the New York Yankees beat the Colorado Rockies. What he did after the game, however, left an even bigger impression.
Beltran's third annual gala was held at Gotham Hall in Manhattan on Wednesday evening. Proceeds from the baseball-themed event "Let's Score!" benefited the Carlos Beltran Foundation, which helps promote health, fitness and education for children from low-income families.
The star-studded event included Yankees teammates Dellin Betances, Aroldis Chapman, Andrew Miller, CC Sabathia, Michael Pineda, Brett Gardner, Brian McCann, Starlin Castro, Didi Gregorious and Yankee legend Bernie Williams. The event featured live music and a silent auction.
The real stars, however, were the students. Beltran surprised six students with a $5,000 scholarship to help them continue their education.
"I just want people to have fun while we create awareness of what we're doing as a foundation from the academy back home in Puerto Rico to the scholarships we give to kids here in New York to continue their education in college," Beltran told the New York Daily News.
The first two galas -- "The '80s Strike Back" and "A Night in Old San Juan" -- raised nearly $1 million for the Carlos Beltran Foundation. Proceeds from these events helped Beltran open the Carlos Beltran Academy in Puerto Rico to give young athletes a place to develop their athletic and academic skills.
On the field, the 10-time All-Star knows what it takes to succeed, and his work away from the field helps ensure that children have access to the resources they need to be successful in life.
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Major Leaguers are #GoingToBat for causes near and dear to them, as they personify the Players Trust's motto to "care, act and inspire." To learn more about the charitable interests and activities of Carlos Beltran and other Major Leaguers, please visit the Players Trust's website.