Fan-favorite MLB Athlete Enriches the Lives of Young Players
March 4, 2022
Skip Schumaker is a two-time World Series Champion and current bench coach for the St. Louis Cardinals. As an MLB player, he spent 11 seasons playing for the same team he now coaches for, as well as the Los Angeles Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds. Skip has also been a steadfast supporter of the mission of the Jessie Rees Foundation’s mission for years.
A few years ago, Skip heard about Jessie’s story through his friend and NEGU All-Star, Nick Punto and became a NEGU All-Star soon after that. Ever since then, Skip has taken his commitment a step further with the organization of a baseball skills camp for young athletes that benefits Jessie’s wish to help every kid fighting cancer to Never Ever Give Up.
Each member of the NEGU All-Star team uses their platforms to share Jessie’s NEGU message and support Courageous Kids fighting cancer.
This was Skip’s 7th year hosting his NEGU Baseball Skills Camp, which caters to 11-14 year old athletes who are looking to dedicate their time to giving back to kids fighting cancer and learn from professional athletes and coaches.
Skip said, “I do the camp because we all have a platform, some bigger than others, to help. If you have an opportunity to help and you don’t, you are wasting your time here. I’ve been very blessed to have a sports platform that can not only help kids in learning the game of baseball, but also gain perspective on what really matters. This foundation has allowed me to do both and I’m very grateful for that.”
76 athletes and a handful of coaches gathered at the baseball field at Saddleback Community College for the unique opportunity to give back while learning skills that will not only improve their game, but their character as well. Skill development, team games and scrimmages are just a few of the camp highlights. By the end of camp, the athletes were not only impacted by the game of baseball and expertise of the coaching staff, but also by the important life lessons of giving back, working hard and dedicating their craft to be the best athlete and person they can be. It’s a great couple of days full of baseball and Never Ever Give Up attitudes!
Young athlete and NEGU Ambassador Cade Spinello said, “I love baseball and this camp inspires me to set high goals and not to stop until I achieve them both on the field and in my battle for recovery.”
We are so proud and grateful to report that Skip Schumaker’s 7th annual NEGU Baseball Skills Camp raised over $15,000 for kids and their families to receive boosts of Joy! We love seeing the community come together to make a difference for Courageous Kids impacted by childhood cancer. If you would like to take the next step and get involved with the Jessie Rees Foundation, click here!