Recently in Nashville, Tennessee the St Joseph Mustangs added to their already decorated 2011 season by garnering the Summer Ball Conference Best Community Project Award. The Mustangs were selected for first place from over 200 entries submitted from the Summer Collegiate Baseball circuit. St Joseph was selected for their efforts to aid in the Joplin, MO tornado recovery.
Acting quickly, just one week after the disaster, the Mustangs worked in cooperation with the St Joseph area Red Cross to collect money at the entrance gate during the first weekend of the season’s home games to send to Joplin. The Mustangs contributed $500 themselves to the fund. When the team visited Joplin to play against the hometown Outlaws, the team gathered early to go into the community and do whatever was necessary to help.
Mustangs manager Matt Johnson initiated and oversaw the effort. “We realized that people needed help and we could provide some help. We cleaned up debris and provided comfort for those affected. You have no idea what the people of Joplin went through until you see the suffering first hand. It was unreal.”
Finally, the Mustangs along with summer intern Thad Wahlert collected Little League baseball equipment to send to the children of Joplin who, without the equipment, would not have had a season last summer. They were able to collect about a van size load of baseball equipment.
“We want to thank the St Joseph community for pitching in for this great cause.” Mustangs General Manager Rick Muntean said upon learning of the award, “ We couldn’t have really made an impact without the community support. I’d like to thank the Mustangs staff especially Kyle Fetters and Thad Wahlert and Kevin Kirby of the St Joseph Red Cross for their efforts. Without them we would not have received this honor”
The Mustangs also received recognition for raising money for the Bostwick Children Education fund. The Mustangs donated over $2000 to the fund days after the Northwest coach tragically passed away.
The 2011 MINK League champion Mustangs will open their 4th season at Phil Welch Stadium in early June 2012.
— Mustangs Press Release —