Astros star shortstop Carlos Correa officially joined H-Town's philanthropic sports fraternity Thursday by partnering with Houston Children's Charity in a drive to provide beds and bedding for the estimated 2,000 area children who don't have that luxury.
"It's not only important to me to be good on the field but also to be a good person off the field," Correa told a small gathering at Vic & Anthony's steakhouse where the announcement was made. The 2015 American League Rookie of the Year recalled his humble beginnings in Puerto Rico saying, "I basically came from nothing so I identify with these kids."
Correa and his marketing representative, Frankie Higginbotham, joined HCC executive director Laura Ward in the announcement event attended by media, HCC board members and sponsors.
Higginbotham explained the fundraising program in which participants can pledge a dollar for every hit that Correa makes in 2016 and earn a special baseball Correa card.
Those pledging $2 for every hit receive a card and the "Restless for a Cause" logo T-shirt. For $3 per hit, the prize includes a logo cap, for $5 a logo duffle bag and for a $20 pledge for each hit, participants receive an autographed special edition Marucci bat and baseball card as well as the other perks, plus the opportunity for a meet-and-greet with Correa. Higginbotham noted that Correa could have as many as 200 hits this season which would mean a $4,000 commitment to HCC's "A Better Night's Sleep" program.
Notables in the midday mix included Astro star Jeff Bagwell who commented on Correa, "As I sit here, I am just proud of him. I cannot think of any better person that I'm more proud of to be a representative of the Astros than Carlos . . . My part is gone. Now to see Carlos, (Jose) Altuve and (George) Springer and all those guys come over, you guys are carrying the Astros to a whole new dimension."
A bonus for Houston Children's Charity — Correa has signed on as honorary chair of the November 5 gala at the Hyatt Regency Downtown. Headlining Foreigner, the black-tie benefit will honor HCC board chairman Tilman Fertitta.
Houston Astros star Carlos Correa lends his talent to Houston Children's Charity.
