Prior to the game yesterday, Dominic Smith chose to kneel, alone, for the National Anthem.
After the game, he emotionally explained his reasoning for doing so:
ICYMI: Here’s Dominic Smith talking emotionally after the game about why he chose to kneel.
— Metsmerized (@Metsmerized) August 27, 2020
Smith’s heartfelt words resonated with a lot of people. I saw countless Mets fans tweeting out their support of Smith, and wanting to show that support by buying a Smith Mets jersey. That’s great — a great way of showing your love and support of a player is by wearing their jersey.
But, do you really want to make an impact that will help make change? Use that money you were going to use to purchase the jersey and make a donation to BaseballGenerations (or if you can swing both, go for it!).
Smith founded this non-profit organization that is based in Southern California back in 2017. According to the website,
“BaseballGenerations provides high-quality baseball instruction. The purpose of the organization is to mentally and physically prepare young baseball players to excel on and off the field. BaseballGenerations has a carefully selected staff and unique approach to coaching. Our unique methodology is designed to get youth excited and interested in playing the game of baseball at the collegiate or professional level.”
Additionally, every instructor that is part of the Academy is a current or former professional or collegiate baseball player. How cool is that? A great opportunity for these children that they definitely would not have gotten otherwise.
Through this organization, Smith is not only talking about change, he is making change. He’s giving back to his hometown, to help make sure that children growing up there have more chance and opportunity. Smith is investing in their future. And if you really want to show Smith you support him and what he is kneeling for, investing in this as well, instead of a jersey, can help make change.
If you want to donate to the BaseballGenerations Foundations, you can do so here. 100% of donations go directly to underserved youth, allowing them to participate not only in baseball activities, but in camps, travel ball, skills training, and mentorship.
A Smith jersey is great, and if you already have bought one, rock it. But if you want to show your support for Smith and have the means to do so, consider donating to or advocating for his charity. There’s even a store with some cool swag you can choose from, too.
