MLB Players Trust gives $45,000 to Tyler Skaggs Foundation to honor his legacy
The Major League Baseball Players Trust will donate $45,000 on behalf of the players to the Tyler Skaggs Baseball Foundation, the trust announced Monday.
The foundation was established to “inspire leadership, confidence and teamwork through youth projects and family services.” The Los Angeles Angels pitcher died unexpectedly July 1 at the age of 27 and players wanted to preserve his legacy of aiding others. The amount is a nod to his jersey number, 45.
Executive Director Tony Clark said in the statement.
“Players are comforted to know that Tyler’s devotion and commitment to improving the lives of others will live on through this foundation. Tyler was a man who not only understood the responsibilities that come along with being a Major Leaguer, but he readily embraced them with a joyful and giving spirit.”
The Players Trust distributes more than $1.5 million in annual grants and programs. It’s run through player contributions of money as well as time to causes.
Teammate Andrew Heaney told the Players Trust the donation is to carry on the “great work” Skaggs did and Ryan Braun added it was for the player’s “incredible passion” of giving back. According to the foundation website, Skaggs “never missed an opportunity to empower his community.” He volunteered at children’s hospitals, local elementary schools and was sometimes at the neighborhood ballpark, his family said.
Washington Nationals pitcher Patrick Corbin was drafted with Skaggs and came up with him in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. He wore his friend’s No. 45 to honor him in his first start and told the trust in a statement:
“We lost one of our brothers too soon. We all want his legacy to live on, and this donation will help us achieve that.”
The Angels honored Skaggs in their first game back at home after the All-Star break. Two pitchers combined for a no-hitter and the numbers the Angels put up were surreal. Skaggs’ mother, Debbie, has asked that memorial contributions be made to the foundation in lieu of flowers.
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