Teams, fans raise money for Holko
Each club took collections at their respective stadiums during all post-season games. Participating clubs during the 2009 Playoffs included the Mahoning Valley Scrappers (Indians), Brooklyn Cyclones (Mets), Lowell Spinners (Red Sox), and Staten Island Yankees (Yankees). The Yankees defeated the Scrappers in a best-of-3 series to win the 2009 New York-Penn League Championship.
"It has been unbelievable to see so many people come together in support of Lucas and his family," said Scrappers general manager Dave Smith. "Seeing the support from complete strangers in surrounding markets is truly heartwarming and shows the strength and compassion of the New York-Penn League and its fans."
The check was presented to the family on behalf of the New York-Penn League Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization which was created in 2003. The Foundation's mission is to provide focus and support for the collective charitable and community efforts of the League and its clubs. Its motto is "The Power of Baseball, the Power of Giving."
After getting hit in the head with a foul ball at a Mahoning Valley game on Sept. 2 and sustaining a serious head injury, Holko spent nearly a month at the Akron Children's Hospital. After then being moved to a Cleveland rehabilitation center, Holko was sent to a family home where, he continues his recovery.
The family had set up the Lucas Holko Fund to help with expenses associated with the accident and his recovery.
At the Scrappers home playoff games, assistance was received from a number of area firefighters, including Greene Township, which collected money through a "Boot Drive."
The local Sam's Club held a charity cookout on Labor Day which raised more than $2,300 towards the fund. Members of the Niles Key Club sold candy bars raising an additional $1,900.
Collections were also taken during the home playoff games in Brooklyn, Lowell, and Staten Island while the Jamestown Jammers (Marlins) made a team contribution as well. Staten Island alone raised more than $6,300, while the Brooklyn Cyclones donated team player fines to the fund, which totaled $1,700.
"There are too many people to thank for their kindness," said Smith.