The Houston Astros didn’t win the World Series, but one of their players has won the gratitude of the hemophilia patient community.
“Win or lose, Michael Brantley of the Houston Astros is our MVP!” the National Hemophilia Foundation wrote on its Facebook page.
Brantley, an outfielder, chose to designate the U.S. advocacy group as the recipient of a $20,000 gift from the Major League Baseball Players Trust. The NHF, based in New York City, announced the gift on its website.
Through the MLB Players Trust, players give their time, money and celebrity to raise awareness to important causes. The trust distributes more than $1 million in grants and programs each year.
In the end, the Astros lost. Brantley, named Comeback Player of the Year in 2018, made key contributions and had what his hometown newspaper called “a banner year.”
Brantley’s gift drew praise on Facebook and one mom wrote that her baseball-playing sons – who both have hemophilia – were rooting for him.
Next week, kids and teens who have bleeding disorders like hemophilia will train and compete in baseball, golf and swimming at the Gettin’ In the Game Junior National Championship. Sponsored by CSL Behring, the annual event brings together more than 100 kids for a weekend full of education and friendly sports competition. The focus is on living a healthy lifestyle that includes physical activity.
