At a time when minor league players face uncertain paydays, Texas Rangers outfielder Shin-Soo Choo is doing his part to help get them through the crisis.
The coronavirus epidemic is impacting virtually everyone at this time. From canceled vacations and schools closing, to working from home and not being able head to favorite restaurants and bars, the impact goes far beyond what we are all used to. Baseball being postponed is just an unfortunate side effect.
However, for minor leaguers across the game, these are uncertain times. They are paid only through the season, making the delay potentially devastating. Many of these players are stick in limbo, unable to play baseball and also unable to get a job to pay the bills, knowing that they could be brought back in at any point in the future.
Texas Rangers outfielder Shin-Soo Choo is doing his part to help those players through the uncertain future. He is donating $1000 to each of the Rangers 190+ minor leaguers in an effort to help them get through the epidemic.
For Choo, this is a way to help the younger players. He remembered being in that situation when he first came to the States, a young father in AAA who was trying to ration his meal money so that his family could afford to purchase diapers. Choo has also been actively mentoring any minor leaguer he can, remembering the help he received from the veterans in the Mariners’ organization.
This is not the only donation that Choo has made. He also made a donation of 200 million Korean won ($161,000 US) to South Korea’s battle against the epidemic. Gestures like this may seem like a drop in the bucket, but every dollar helps in the fight, and in getting those minor league players through this time.
For the Rangers’ minor leaguers, that is not the only payment they will receive. Major League Baseball announced that minor league players will receive $400 per week through the end of May should the epidemic continue. However, what happens after that point is anyone’s guess.
Texas Rangers outfielder Shin-Soo Choo has been determined to help as much as he can through the coronavirus epidemic. For the Ranger’s minor leaguers, his assistance is invaluable.