The San Francisco Giants have taken a commanding 3-1 lead over the Texas Rangers in the World Series. But even more importantly is what a number of players in this year's Fall Classic are doing off the diamond. Current Giants pitchers Barry Zito, Brian Wilson, Tim Linceum and Matt Cain and Rangers pitcher CJ Wilson are all part of Strikeouts For Troops, a non-profit organization founded by Zito to assist wounded warriors.
Zito, who was not placed on the roster for the playoffs, is still helping his teammates and still a part of the team. It shows his character, as does his dedication to this organization, which provides comforts of home and lifts the spirits and morale of wounded troops from Iraq and Afghanistan during treatment at military hospitals such as the San Diego Naval Medical Center. Since its inception five years ago, Strikeouts For Troops has raised two million dollars for wounded troops and their families.
The organization has kept loved ones nearby during long hospital stays, paid for air flights and lodging, purchased adaptive equipment for easier transitions at home, helped fund the Gold Star Family Support Center at Fort Hood, provide backpacks filled with toiletries and other necessities to those who arrive at the hospital with often just the clothes on their back, purchased holiday gifts for military children, and much more. Here's what some people are saying about the organization:
