Jones answers the call from Little Leaguers
When a Washington, D.C., Little League team reached out for help to fund a trip to an upcoming tournament, Baltimore Orioles outfielder Adam Jones responded with a check.
Jones agreed Friday to contribute $8,500 toward bus transportation for the Mamie Johnson Little League team, which will represent the nation’s capital in the Mid-Atlantic Region tournament starting Sunday in Bristol, Conn.
“It’s a blessing for the kids and the families,’’ Keith Barnes, the league president, told ESPN. “For them to experience this opportunity and for him to help us, it just means the world to these kids.’’
The Mamie Johnson team is the first predominantly black squad to advance to the Mid-Atlantic Region — the final obstacle to a spot in the Little League World Series in South Williamsport, Pa. Of the 12 players on the roster, 11 are AfricanAmerican.
“I want to see the next generation get an opportunity to succeed. Me being a black man trying to integrate more African-Americans into baseball, this was a no-brainer,” Jones said.
Marlins
On what would have been the 26th birthday of Miami pitcher Jose Fernandez, the families of two young men who died with him in a latenight boat crash settled their wrongful death lawsuit against the athlete’s estate. Emilio Macias, 27, and Eduardo Rivero, 25, died two years ago with the 24-yearold ace while aboard his boat on an ocean jetty on Miami Beach. The terms of the settlement are confidential.
Rays
Newlyacquired outfielder Tommy Pham was placed on the 10-day disabled list because of a broken right foot. Pham, who was acquired from the Cardinals at the trade deadline, was hit on the foot by a pitch Thursday from Angels’ left-hander Andrew Heaney.