MLB player surprises HS baseball team that lost everything in Hurricane Harvey
2017 was certainly a year that Houston residents will never forget.
Hurricane Harvey devastated the area beyond recognition, claiming the lives of more than 80 Texans and causing a record $125 billion in damage.
But Houstonians are a proud bunch, and not even the second-worst natural disaster in American history (behind Hurricane Katrina) could keep them down.
The impact of the Astros’ World Series championship, of course, pales in comparison with the carnage of Harvey.
Still, it gave the area a much-needed boost, and the love between team and community is still going strong.
Kingwood High School’s baseball team felt the hurricane’s wrath in a big way, with major damage to its field and the loss of equipment, uniforms and other essentials.
Astros right fielder Josh Reddick changed that Friday, with a hit bigger than any he’s had on the field.
Astros' Josh Reddick surprises Kingwood High School baseball team with new uniforms – KTRK-TV https://t.co/kUQ6eNSeRu
— Houst Astros view (@HoustAstrosview) April 27, 2018
Reddick not only bought the team new uniforms, but he actually designed them.
On Friday, Houston Astros outfielder Josh Reddick surprised Kingwood High School baseball players with brand-new uniforms and gear after they lost a lot of the essentials during Hurricane Harvey.
READ: https://t.co/HFmM92MPgZ pic.twitter.com/3viGGos1QB
— KPRC 2 Houston (@KPRC2) April 27, 2018
“It’s always exciting to see their reaction, from when they first got to see it was everything worth it,” Reddick explained to Houston’s KPRC-TV.
“To be able to help them out with such a rough time they went through last year. For me it was a fun time designing them. … Being able to design a uniform that’s going to be used by any team is going to be pretty exciting and I had a lot of fun doing it, but like I said, the biggest part was seeing their smiles when they came around.”
The uniforms, which feature white jerseys, pants and cleats along with camouflage sleeves, where a hit with the Kingwood players.
“I think they’re sweet,” said Tre Richardson, a sophomore shortstop.
Senior third baseman Jonathan Cashion said recovery from Harvey has been a team effort.
“My house was actually flooded,” he said. “We got 6 feet of water, so the whole team came and helped me out and worked on the house. And getting these jerseys and new gear means a lot because I lost some of my baseball stuff.”
The team’s season has begun, with Kingwood playing its home games at Summer Creek High School while its true home field is under repair.
The Astros are off to a strong start in their title defense, battling the Angels for first place in the AL West.
Josh Reddick of the Houston Astros joined with New Balance and presented the Kingwood Baseball team with new uniforms and shoes! pic.twitter.com/g2OccakGuQ
— Kingwood High School (@HumbleISD_KHS) April 27, 2018
But whether they win another World Series or not, they’ll always be champions to those in their community.
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