I was just telling someone the other day, I love when an athlete or, in this case, an organization looks outside of themselves enough to know that, when the have the eyes of the world on them and the platform of opportunity at their feet, they can do something remarkable for someone else.
The Cardinals do that in many ways, including their recent stop to visit war veterans while on their whirlwind Washington, D.C., adventure (read Miranda’s recap here).
However, it seems that giving philosophy isn’t just an organization thing.
Jon Jay is set to host what is shaping up to be quite the event in Miami Beach this weekend, the proceeds of which go to a special, local organization called the Chapman Partnership.
While we’re used to seeing strikes thrown by our baseball heroes, this time even the power hitters will be hoping to strike out. Because that’s how you win a bowling tournament.
The event, creatively named the Jon Jay Celebrity Bowling Challenge, will be held at Lucky Strike Lanes in Miami Beach on Saturday, and it sounds like it will be some party. Baseball stars, celebrity guests, eating, drinking and being merry … But, of course, as any good event does, it all starts with the red carpet entrance.
According to the Sun Sentenial, making the invite list are MLB players like Gaby Sanchez, Eric Hosmer, Yonder Alonso, J.P. Arencibia, Gio Gonzalez, our very own Tyler Greene, Michael Morse, Chris Perez and Danny Valencia.
Jay himself confirmed today that DJ Mad Linx will also be on hand to crank up the tunes.
Then there are hors d’oeuvres, which I’m sure will be scrumptious. But then, there is bowling.
The fact that it’s for charity won’t stop these boys from competing for the top score of the night. Hey, they didn’t make it to the big leagues without a little competitive fire, now did they? Thanks to Twitter, we know one thing — Gio’s been practicing his form.
(Aguirre represents Gonzalez)
“Team Gio” isn’t alone. Former University of Miami teammates Jay and Sanchez are looking for a few bragging rights of their own.
“Me and Gaby have a little competitive streak in us,” Jay said. “We’re always going at it, so I’m going to try to out-bowl him, for sure.”
Nationals pitcher Drew Storen is in on the deal too.
(“Fun” fact: Storen’s first MLB strike out was of Matt Holliday. Go get ‘em, Jon!)
But despite the fun the evening brings or who walks away as Celeb Bowling Champion 2012 is secondary to the cause — the Chapman Partnership.
The Chapman Partnership mission is simple:
We offer dignity and hope to all so that no persons sleep on the streets of our community.
They provide health services, housing searches, job development trainers and child care workers in an attempt to get their world back to spinning at a manageable speed.
If you haven’t been following Jon Jay on Twitter, I’ll tell you now — he’s incredibly passionate about his hometown. While we live in a world where people do more good things for themselves than for others, it wouldn’t be far out of reach for Jay and the rest of the World Series team reap the benefits of fame for themselves.
But then again, that simply wouldn’t be the Cardinal way, now would it?
Instead, Jay and the others continue to make us proud of this team, and of this sport. Baseball, that is. I’ll reserve my bowling judgement until I see their skills …
For more information (and, if you’re in Miami this weekend, for tickets) visit www.jonjaychallenge.com.
Tara is a St. Louis Cardinals reporter for Aaron Miles’ Fastball and a contributor to Around the Horn. Follow her on Twitter @tarawellman.
