Fans will have even more reasons to cheer on the Blue Jays this season every time Chris Bassitt takes the mound.
Ten thousand more reasons, actually.
Bassitt and wife Jessica announced on Wednesday that they will be donating US$10,000 in support of the RBI Summer Edition program at Jays Care Foundation every time the Jays win a game in which Bassitt pitches.
Last year, Bassitts Pitch In raised a total of C$279,818 for RBI Summer Edition, with the Bassitts generously donating $265,668.
The additional funds were raised through donations by 106 Blue Jays fans, with thanks to Chris and Jessica’s leadership.
With the Jays win on Tuesday night against the Seattle Mariners in which he was the opening pitcher, the community-based initiative already is off to solid start.
According to a news release from the team, RBI Summer Edition is a free sport-for-development program designed as a complement to summer school to enhance the mental and physical health of kids in under-resourced communities across Toronto.
This year, it is expanding by 40% with more than 2,800 students at 14 schools across the GTA participating in the program, which includes baseball training, cooperative games and art programs.
“Seeing the kids in action last summer and the way in which they embraced sports and felt a sense of belonging and pride was truly inspiring,” Chris and Jessica Bassitt said in the release.
“We have always believed strongly in giving back and helping make a difference in the lives of others, and as we continue to grow our family in Toronto, helping kids through sport is the perfect connection.
“Jays Care does incredible work, and we are so honoured to be part of it.”
Bassitt’s next start is slated for Monday at the Rogers Centre against the New York Yankees. He’ll surely be looking to keep up some momentum after a solid home debut for 2024.