It’s the World Series, you may be wondering why I’m writing an article about Lance McCullers Jr. (probably a fair question). Everyone knows Lance, the fierce competitor with the devastating curveball, but I wanted to take a moment to recognize Lance for a whole different element, what he’s done for the Astros community.
On May 18th, 2015 the Astros got a new hero, making his major league debut donning the legendary Batman cleats. And while the Astros got a new hero on the field, they also got one off the field.
Our @AirteamLtd rescue dog BEA IS AS HAPPY AS A BEE! She has the biggest smile and warmest heart. Bea is 2 years old who is already spayed, vaccinated, heartworm negative, & FREE! This sweet gal will love to join your family. Come visit her at Harris County Animal Shelter. pic.twitter.com/QcFUe5Vf5f
— Lance McCullers Fdn. (@LMcCullersJrFdn) October 12, 2018
Lance and his wife Kara share a passion for animal rescue and created the Lance McCullers foundation (link to get involved), with a message of:
“The Lance McCullers Jr. Foundation is a non-profit organization established by Lance and his family to invest, bring awareness, and create programs aimed at advocates for stray and homeless animals across the country. The goal is to support shelters and programs that promote pet adoptions and continue on the journey to make Houston a no-kill city.”
I decided to donate the proceeds of my writing for SBNation on the World Series to Lance’s Charity, it’s not much, but I figured every bit helps.
But he’s done so much more for Houston and the fans of the Astros than that. Quite a few people on here will remember Chloe, an 8-year old girl who was yelled at for cheering too much at an Astros game.
Chloe, don’t you EVER stop cheering! I would love for you to cheer us on, as LOUD as you can, during ALDS game 1 in MMP! I would be honored to leave you a ticket! @astros https://t.co/qrORuFeF9I
— Lance McCullers Jr. (@LMcCullers43) September 26, 2018
Lance went way above and beyond. He not only got tickets for her for the ALDS, but brought Chloe to meet with her favorite team! You can read more about the full story here
I got to meet Chloe today and she is such a sweetheart! I am very excited she will be cheering us on Friday pic.twitter.com/tB2Y9Lap6C
— Lance McCullers Jr. (@LMcCullers43) October 2, 2018
Again, none of this is news, so you may still be wondering why I decided to write this article today? Well, as you guys know, the ALCS was a rough series for Astros fans in New York. Personally, I had a beer bottle thrown at me for just wearing an Astros jersey walking the street (I do caution, that the people getting carried away are still the minority and the vast majority of their fans are great people). Here’s an edited (I think you’ll appreciate it) example of some of the treatment:
This is awesome https://t.co/dj0oG9Jccw
— The Crawfish Boxes (@CrawfishBoxes) October 21, 2019
So what does Lance do? He went and found fans that were abused - or rooting hard for Houston in hostile territory, and makes it right:
Someone tag this man or his family.. get me in contact with him please! Twitter, do your thang!!!! https://t.co/jnoX8WlJeP
— Lance McCullers Jr. (@LMcCullers43) October 19, 2019
Wow!!!!! LETS GOOOO ASTROS!!!!!!!!!!!!! @LMcCullers43 #Astros #TakeItBack pic.twitter.com/SWUF05r1Hb
— Cruz Arcia Jr (@Sneak_Tester) October 20, 2019
And another:
Someone @ this man for me. https://t.co/rc1y7n1U1j
— Lance McCullers Jr. (@LMcCullers43) October 18, 2019
Thanks to @LMcCullers43 I will be at the game tonight
— Forrest Magee (@ForrestMagee3) October 22, 2019
And there are so many more examples of Lance going way above and beyond:
Drop the Venmo. I buy it from you and you can give it to someone it fits.
— Lance McCullers Jr. (@LMcCullers43) October 22, 2019
I’m sure there are tons of other examples, but in a world where negativity is everywhere, it’s refreshing to have a player like Lance.
Here is a GREAT video made by (@VinoNStrosGal) who makes a lot of great Astros hype videos
With him out for the post season, he’s the silent guardian, a watchful protector, a Dark Knight.