Strike 3 Foundation

The Strike 3 Foundation heightens awareness, mobilizes support, and raises funding for childhood cancer research.

In the News

Charity has a personal connection for Breslow

Craig Breslow is often regarded as one of the smartest men in baseball. Breslow majored in molecular biophysics at Yale University while captaining the Bulldogs baseball team, and scored a 1410 on the SAT which prompted the Minneapolis St. Paul Tribune to proclaim him “the smartest man in baseball.” In addition, Breslow has been one of the most consistent relievers for the Red Sox this year, posting a 1.86 ERA, 0.98 WHIP with 12 strikeouts in 19.1 innings pitched.

His most significant contribution, however, has come off the field with his charity, The Strike 3 Foundation.

The charity was founded in 2008 by Breslow with a mission to raise awareness, support and funding for childhood cancer research, which has a personal connection to the left-handed reliever.

“My sister is a pediatric thyroid cancer survivor and so, childhood cancer was kind of a natural fit in terms of raising money and awareness,” Breslow said.

In addition to supporting a cause that touches Breslow personally, the charity has allowed him to continue pursuing his passion in medicine off of the field.

“I’ve always been interested in medicine and I applied to medical school,” said Breslow. “I thought that I would potentially be a physician right now and the work with Strike 3 has allowed me to remain connected in the medical field”

Another member of the Red Sox bullpen has become a driving force with the charity. Closer Andrew Bailey has become an integral part of the charity since he met Breslow while the two played together in Oakland.

“I met Andrew when I was playing in Oakland and he’s got northeastern roots, growing up in New Jersey, moving to Connecticut. He attended one of our events and liked the cause and what we do,” Breslow said. “He has gotten increasingly involved to the point that three years ago, he joined our board and has really helped to develop our brand.”

Breslow and Bailey are hosting a charity event on June 24 at the Alden Castle called “Sip Happens.” The four hour event will be a wine and food pairing event that will have beverages from both local and California vineyards and food from participating Boston restaurants.

“A number of popular restaurants in the area are serving as food stations and donating food, donating beverages, donating desserts. We’ve got a silent auction and I’m expecting a pretty good turnout from the teammates,” Breslow said. “It seems like they are all pretty interested in supporting the event and I think it’ll be a cocktail type reception. It should be a good experience, but most importantly we’ll raise some meaningful dollars.”

Breslow says that he is really looking forward to see his teammates come out to the event and support the cause.

“I think we’ve got a pretty good clubhouse here and a pretty good civic responsibility and I think guys understand that importance of being visible in the community,” Breslow said. ” I’m looking forward to them enjoying themselves but also interacting with the guests and realizing how valuable they are to the success of the charitable efforts that together we as players partake in.”

While pitching out of the bullpen is his current career, Breslow says that he would want to continue giving back to the community even after his playing days. A career in medicine is something he would consider pursuing to do just that.

“We’ll have to see where I am, how my baseball career plays out,” Breslow said. “Medicine is something that I’ve always been interested in so it’s sort of a realistic aspiration potentially more than playing professional baseball. I can’t think of anymore worthwhile or gratifying work.”

By Joon Lee

June 19, 2013 · Reprinted from SportsReelBoston.com © 2013

Mission Statement

The Strike 3 Foundation heightens awareness, mobilizes support, and raises funding for childhood cancer research.

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Strike 3 Foundation
PO Box 191
Monroe, CT 06468

(203) 502-0007

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