Minor League Baseball's annual “Hope At Bat” campaign, in support of the American Cancer Society (ACS), will continue in the 2024 season. The “Hope At Bat” program -- a fundraising and awareness campaign in support of cancer research -- will again be made up of four dates across the MiLB season, where on-field performance by players generated donations to the ACS. The total fundraising goal for four national activation dates will again be $50,000.
The program begins with, "Strike Out Breast Cancer," on May 8, where $10 will be donated to ACS for every strikeout across MiLB. The program continues on June 12, when $100 will be donated for each home run for, "Knocking Cancer Out of the Park," which promotes prostate cancer awareness. On July 10, $50 will be raised for every double for "Doubling Down on Sun Safety Day," to promote sun safety and skin cancer awareness. The final date will be Aug. 14, where $15 will be donated for every run in support of pediatric cancer awareness and the, "Give Every Child a Chance to Run," program.
If the total raised from all four dates does not reach $50,000, the balance will be made up in a donation from Minor League Baseball in the name of the team who had raised the most money over the four dates.
"Hope At Bat" successfully reached its $50,000 goal during the 2023 season.
“On behalf of Minor League Baseball and our 120 teams, it is our honor to present this donation to the American Cancer Society to help in their fight against all forms of cancer,” said April Brown, MLB’s Senior Vice President, Social Responsibility. “Our partnership with the ACS through the Hope At Bat campaign is a very rewarding one for MiLB as we strive make a positive impact in our communities.”
Throughout the 2023 season, the ACS honored and recognized cancer survivors and caregivers by having them participate in ceremonial first pitch events and fans and players had the opportunity to create “I Go To Bat For….” cards as part of in-game tributes to those who are currently battling, or have previously battled cancer.
“We are thrilled to partner with Minor League Baseball to help raise awareness and funds for cancer research,” said Sheri Barros, Vice President of Sports Alliances for the American Cancer Society. “This partnership will help us continue to fund breakthroughs in cancer treatment, educate fans about their risks for cancer and inspire them to join the fight against cancer in their local communities.”
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