NEW YORK—There’s a biblical proverb that states, ‘For to whom much has been given, much is expected.’ The game of baseball continues to transcend beyond the dreams of Abner Doubleday and millions of fans that throughout its history continue to follow a sport filled with triumph, fervor and passion. Yet the game also needs to be reminded of its core responsibility of not only enjoyment for its fans but an endowment for its future. This would be the mission and philosophy of an organization named B.A.T.

Cuban-American Luis Emilio Gonzalez

Celebrating its 20th anniversary of assisting members of the baseball family through financial grants and healthcare programs, Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T) has awarded over 18 million dollars to this baseball fraternity.

On Tuesday, January 27, B.A.T held its annual fundraiser at the Marriott Marquis in New York City where close to 125 current / former MLB ballplayers and invited guests gathered to honor this year’s honorees: They were Hall Of Famers Ozzie Smith and George Brett; former players Vince Coleman and Bret Saberhagen as well as veteran outfielder Luis Gonzalez, a 2001 LATINO MVP recipient, and this year’s winner of the Bart Giamatti award. The ceremony would also celebrate the legacy of Yankee Stadium and Shea Stadium.

Gonzalez, whose affable personality always lights up a room talked about witnessing firsthand the work of B.A.T.

"It’s a comforting feeling to know that the money raised tonight helps people out and B.A.T truly does a great job. In spring training, they bring a person to show how the money is spent so the players can actually see the results. When I see this gentleman have the opportunity to walk again, it’s a comforting feeling that we made a difference, "said Gonzalez.

The gentlemen that Gonzalez described were Angel Marrero-Cantres, 58 and Jacinto Camacho, 63.  They arrived from Puerto Rico to be honored guests of B.A.T.

Both men who played in the minor leagues arrived at the press conference able to once again walk unassisted. Amazingly, this would be the first time in B.A.T’s history that two former players were fitted with prosthetics. In 2004, Cantres lost part of his right leg on a construction site and spoke at the evening festivities.

"This is the first time in my life where I really needed people to help me with the simple things.
 When B.A.T heard about what happened to me, they answered my prayers and stepped up to the plate. They helped in so many ways and I will never forget what they have done," stated Cantres.

The man responsible for B.A.T. being made aware of these players’ specific needs was former MLB outfielder, Benny Ayala. Ayala, who in 1974 began his career with the Met organization played 10 seasons and was a part of the 1983 World Champion Baltimore Orioles.

 Ayala has played a huge influence in getting former ballplayers in Puerto Rico involved in the baseball alumni association. He talked about why he reached out to B.A.T and the unique relationship he’s had with these players.

“These two gentlemen are personal friends of mine. Mr. Camacho was the one who drove me to the airport when I embarked on my career as a ballplayer. As for Mr. Cantres, he told me that the N.Y. Mets were holding a baseball try-out and that we should go. If it wasn’t because of Angel’s interest, I don’t know if I would have been a ballplayer. Now that they need help, what more can a friend do but be there for them," said Ayala.

Whether it was a young boy holding an autographed baseball or an elderly man waiting patiently on a long line to meet his childhood hero, the excitement that B.A.T provided throughout the evening were unbelievable memories that would last a lifetime.

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