Kyle Higashioka, Ronald Torreyes and Javier Vázquez Salute Workers Who Have Shown Commitment to Saving Others During the Ongoing Pandemic
NEW YORK, Jan. 27 – In an effort to show appreciation and gratitude for St. Barnabas Hospital workers on the frontlines of the pandemic, Major League Players Kyle Higashioka, Ronald Torreyes and former big leaguer Javier Vázquez will surprise five employees with a “thank you” call via Zoom.
The call is part of the “High Fives for Our Healthcare Heroes” national campaign, kicking off today and sponsored by the Major League Baseball Players Trust, the charitable arm of the Major League Baseball Players Association. 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.
Kyle Higashioka, a California native, persevered through nine minor-league seasons before making his big-league debut with the Yankees in 2017. He was recognized for his work on behalf of veterans and inner-city youth as the Yankees' 2021 Roberto Clemente Award nominee.
Ronald Torreyes is a .265 career hitter over parts of seven seasons with the Dodgers, Yankees, Twins and Phillies. Torreyes was the Phillies' 2021 nominee for the Heart and Hustle Award, given annually to a player who demonstrates a passion for baseball and best embodies the values, spirit and traditions of the game.
Javier Vázquez won 165 games and surpassed 200 innings nine times over 14 seasons with the Expos, Yankees, White Sox, Diamondbacks, Braves and Marlins. Since 2014, Vázquez has channeled his passion for helping Latin players into his role as an international special assistant with the MLBPA.
The five employees selected by the Bronx-based hospital include: Dr. Justin Delgado, Emergency Medicine Resident Physician; Akugbe Obaseki, Registered Respiratory Therapist; Laurie Dobbins, Clerk; Rosa Rivera, Registered Nurse; and Billy Bros, ESD Worker.
WHEN: The Zoom call will take place this evening, January 27 at 6:00PM.
WHERE: Footage of the call will be available to interested outlets at 7:30PM ET.