Oklahoma State University Athletics
Wright Aids Fundraising For Oklahoma Tornado Relief
May 23, 2013 | Cowboy Baseball
May 23, 2013
KODAK, Tenn. – Former Oklahoma State baseball standout Ty Wright has pledged his support in efforts to raise funds for the victims of this week's tragic tornadoes in Oklahoma.
An outfielder in the Chicago Cubs organization for the Double-A Tennessee Smokies, Wright has joined with his current team to coordinate several fundraising events during its current homestand, with all proceeds going to the American Red Cross relief efforts in Oklahoma.
“After watching the coverage of the tornado, it was tragic to see,” said Wright, who was a Cowboy letterwinner from 2004-07. “I played baseball for Oklahoma State for four years, and Oklahoma is like a second home to me.”
As a way to show their support, the Smokies will use their current homestand that runs through Monday to attempt to raise money by donating $10 for every hit the Smokies collect during the five-game series. The team will also have a special postgame tennis ball toss following Friday night's game. Fans can purchase tennis balls for $1 at each game and then try and hit targets on the field after the game to win prizes from the Smokies.
On Saturday, the Smokies will hold a memorabilia auction on the concourse, featuring signed memorabilia from the Smokies, the Chicago Cubs and other Minor and Major League teams, with 100% of those proceeds going to disaster relief and the Red Cross. Former Smokies Darwin Barney, Andrew Cashner and Tyler Colvin have all pledged to donate items to the auction.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by this tragedy, and we hope the money raised during this homestand will help the people from my home state of Oklahoma,” said Smokies Assistant General Manager Jeff Shoaf. “We believe our fans will join us in Ty's efforts to help the people devastated a few days ago.”
