Chris Bassitt and his wife Jessica have always strongly believed in giving back to the community that supports them (both on and off the field) and that sports positively impact children¡¯s emotional and physical well-being. Chris and Jessica embraced their new team, country and community by creating ¡°Bassitts Pitch In¡± -- an initiative that supports children facing barriers and helps them find a sense of belonging through sport.
Since the start of the 2023 season, the Bassitts pledged to donate $10,000 (USD) for every game Chris pitches and the Blue Jays win. Additionally, the Bassitts have also called upon fans to ¡°pitch in¡± along with them and support the initiative. With the program now in its second season, the Bassitt family and supporters have donated nearly $300,000 (USD) to Bassitts Pitch In, and this number continues to grow as the 2024 season continues.
Proceeds from Bassitts Pitch In supports Jays Care Foundation (the Blue Jays charitable arm) and its Nike RBI Summer Edition program -- a free sport-for-development program designed to enhance the mental and physical health of kids in under-resourced communities in Toronto. In 2024, more than 2,800 students from 14 schools participated in the program during the summer months. Nike RBI Summer Edition programming features inclusive baseball training, cooperative games, STEM activities and team-building development for its participants. To support the program and the students, Jays Care hired and trained more than 700 staff to help lead the program and provide young professionals with valuable job experience. The commitment from Chris and Jessica has enabled the program to grow 40%, impacting nearly 5,000 young people living in under-resourced communities.
Chris and his family have visited various Nike RBI Summer Edition locations throughout the 2023 and 2024 seasons. During these visits, they engaged with program participants and staff, participated in programming and experienced firsthand the impact that their support has made for so many lives in Toronto. Most recently, Chris joined a Nike RBI Summer Edition staff training session where he participated in training activities, spoke candidly about his experience as a professional athlete and expressed his gratitude to the young professionals for their hard work and dedication to supporting those facing barriers, and providing them with a safe environment during the summertime.
Chris¡¯ passion for the community goes beyond Bassitts Pitch In. Chris has taken the time generously to meet and support various groups and programs, creating a lasting impact on everyone he meets. During the 2024 season, Chris visited Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital with the goal of boosting morale to the hospital¡¯s in-patient wing by spending time with children, parents and staff. He joined physical therapy sessions providing encouragement and support, made bedside visits and brought gifts for the kids. As a father of two, Chris has been able to empathize with these families, providing them comfort and support during difficult times.
Military initiatives are also a passion of Chris¡¯, and he has been an active member in the Blue Jays Saturday Salute Program. This program honors and recognizes a Canadian Armed Forces member during every Saturday home game for their service to Canada. At every opportunity, Chris takes the time to invite the honoree to batting practice and share his appreciation for their service to his second home of Canada.
Since the beginning of his Blue Jays tenure, Chris Bassitt has made a commitment to making a difference in the community that has embraced him and his family fully. His continued philanthropic support for Jays Care Foundation, leadership in the clubhouse and his commitment to inspire others continuously exemplifies the legacy of Roberto Clemente as a leader on and off the field.