Adam Jones, Baltimore Orioles center fielder, was born in San Diego, Calif. Baltimore, however has been his home since joining the Orioles in 2008. He is one of the strengths of the Orioles’ team, yet his connection to the local community is even stronger.

Denard Span knows a thing or two about lending a hand.

Last night, Span made two unbelievable catches to help teammate Matt Moore take a no-hit bid into the 9^th inning. Off the field, however, Span lends another type of hand.

Growing up in a single parent home, Span gives credit to his Mom for the sacrifices she made so he could pursue his dream as a Major Leaguer. As a result, Span was inspired to give back to those single parent families.

Carlos Carrasco, who grew up in Venezuela, learned to pitch and reached the Major Leagues with the Phillies at age 22, likes to show that if you work hard and pursue your dreams, anything can happen.

The goal the hard-throwing right-hander most recently realized was U.S. citizenship. For months, teammates including Jason Kipnis and Mike Napoli peppered him with questions, then last week Carrasco passed the test.

With 24 home runs and a .315 batting average, David Ortiz’s booming bat doesn’t show any signs of slowing down in his farewell season, nor does his work with the David Ortiz Children’s Fund – a legacy of giving that will last long beyond his retirement.

In February 2005, Ortiz visited children at the CEDIMAT Hospital in his home country of the Dominican Republic. Overwhelmed by the experience, Ortiz created the DOCF as a way to be proactive in the effort to support healthcare for children.