You want consistency? Check this out.
Cardinals outfielder Jon Jay, in three seasons, has batted .300, .297, and .305. For you advanced-metric statheads (among whom I proudly count myself), Jay has compiled OPS+ numbers of 113, 112, 113. And the past two years he’s tallied exactly 135 hits.
And he’s also consistent with giving back. This year marks the second year of the Jon Jay Celebrity Bowling Challenge, Jan. 26 at Lucky Strike Lanes in Miami Beach, FL. This year, the funds raised will help support the local Boys and Girls Club — an organization Jay knows well.
“I played baseball at the Boys & Girls Club for years, so I’m thrilled about the opportunity to give back to an organization that has meant so much to me,” Jay, a local who played ball at the University of Miami, said.
Last year’s event raised more than $25,000 for the Chapman Partnership, which offers a comprehensive, holistic approach through on-site services and partnerships to help residents attain self-sufficiency and housing stability.
Trying to spread the wealth, Jay chose a different recipient this year.
“We’re very thankful to Jon Jay for choosing Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade to receive proceeds from this fun event,” said Alex Rodriguez-Roig, executive director of Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade. “With the efforts of individuals such as Jon, we continue to make a difference in the lives of many area youth.”
It’s estimated that more than 10,000 youth receive services from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Miami-Dade.
Saturday’s event is certainly one to not be missed. Presented by FMSbonds, Inc., the evening includes a red carpet arrival with cocktails & hors d ‘oeuvres, followed by two hours of bowling with several major leaguers and other celebrities. Tickets for the general public are available for $100 per individual or $450 for a team. And it’s quite possible that an individual could get paired up with a celebrity for the night.
Among those expected to attend include Cardinals third baseman David Freese, Padres first baseman Yonder Alonso, White Sox outfielder Blake Tekotte, Cardinals second baseman Daniel Descalso, Phillies outfielder John Mayberry Jr., New Orleans Saints tight end Jimmy Graham, and actor Bryan Greenberg of HBO’s “How to Make It in America.”
It’s been a busy few days for Jay, as in addition to preparing for the bowling event, he flew back to St. Louis to pay his respects for St. Louis icon Stan Musial, who died at 92 and whose visitation was held in the St. Louis Cathedral Basilica January 24.
“He’s inspired me to be more than a baseball player,” Jay said. “There’s been a lot of guys who have played this game for a long time and done a lot of things on the ball field that don’t have the respect Mr. Musial had,” Jay said.
One moment in particular brings a smile to Jay’s face. Musial came in to Busch Stadium on a golf cart, and Jay grabbed a photographer before Musial drove by.
“I said, ‘When Stan comes by, take a picture of me, please,’” Jay said. “I was so excited shaking his hand and getting my picture taken on the field with him. Stan was always positive. He really was a role model for us as far as how you should impact the community. His legacy is going to live forever.”
While any ballplayer would like to replicate Musial’s career stats, Jay has another goal in mind.
“I just hope I can be half the person he was.”
With his involvement in his local community and his charitable endeavors, it’s safe to say that Jay is on the right path.
For more information on the event, please go to http://jonjaychallenge2013.eventbrite.com/
