Reds Infielder and the MLB Players Trust Reach out to Workers Who Have Shown Commitment to Saving Others During the Pandemic
Cincinnati, Feb. 7 – In an effort to show appreciation and gratitude for The Christ Hospital Health Network team members on the front lines of the pandemic, Cincinnati Reds infielder Kyle Farmer and the Major League Baseball Players Trust will surprise five employees with a “thank you” call via Zoom.
This marks the fourth Zoom call of the MLB Players Trust’s “High Fives for Our Healthcare Heroes” national campaign. Through this initiative, Players are paired with a hospital in a city that they currently play or have played in to thank frontline workers for the difficult and selfless work being done across the country to bring an end to the pandemic.
In addition to the call, the Players will surprise the hospital with a $5,000 gift on behalf of the Players Trust to support employee relief and recognition efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Farmer, a former University of Georgia Bulldog, broke into the big leagues with the Dodgers before being traded to Cincinnati in 2018. He has started games at catcher and all four infield positions over parts of five seasons in the majors. Last year he hit .263 with 16 homers and 63 RBIs as the Reds’ regular shortstop.
The five employees selected by the Cincinnati-based hospital system include: Ruby Branch, Food and Nutrition Cashier; Michele Hubbard, Urgent Care Practice Coordinator; Kenny Leibee, Registered Respiratory Therapist; Kathryn “Kat” Wesley, Laboratory Lead Technologist; and Mitchell Wilson, Cardiovascular ICU Registered Nurse. Also joining the call is Debbie Hayes, President & CEO The Christ Hospital Health Network.
The Christ Hospital Health Network is an acute care hospital located in Mt. Auburn with a remote hospital location in Liberty Township, five ambulatory outpatient centers and dozens of offices conveniently located throughout the region. More than 1,300 talented physicians and more than 6,000 dedicated team members support the Network. Its mission is to improve the health of the community and to create patient value by providing exceptional outcomes and the finest experiences, all in an affordable way.
The Major League Baseball Players Trust, charitable arm of the Major League Baseball Players Association, is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that harnesses the expertise, influence, and passions of players to create meaningful and sustainable change in the lifelong well-being of others.
WHEN: The Zoom call will take place this evening, February 7 at 12:00pm ET
WHERE: Footage of the call will be available to interested outlets at 1:30PM ET.