Umps Care Charities Presents Jim with Ambassador Award

Each year at the Umps Care Charities signature event and Golf Classic, they honor an individual who is not an MLB umpire for their "outstanding commitment to our cause" through their Ambassador Award.

Past recipients have included former director Samuel Dearth and board members Dan McGinnis and Joe Cunningham.

This year, I was honored and humbled to win this award. Jim Reynolds, President of Umps Care Charities presented me with this award and said some awfully nice things. 

I will admit I was not prepared but did give the reason I support Umps Care and feel why others should also (in so may words).

"I support Umps Care because it does things I can not do on behalf of kids in the game of baseball. Providing tickets to kids in need and giving them a behind-the-scenes tour is something I can not do. Showing up at hospitals all across the country and providing baseball experiences to sick children is something I can not do...but I can support what they do, that no other charity or myself can."

What I did not share and will here is I could not have received this award alone. Without the support of customers who buy products, we would not have the money to support Umps Care through donations each year.  Without the support of my staff, I would not be able to take time out to serve on the board of Umps Care Charities.

So thanks to everyone - including the MLB umpires who honored me and who work so hard to contribute to those in need.