During the season, Jason Adam consistently sought opportunities to support Rays community initiatives, volunteering his time and support to a myriad of nonprofit organizations. Jason was often the first player to arrive and last to leave when visiting guests on the field for the Rays Magic Mondays and Tuesday¡¯s Champion programs.
Prior to every Monday home game, the Rays host players and coaches from Buddy Baseball, A League of their Own and St. Petersburg Challenger League, which are non-competitive recreational leagues serving individuals with unique abilities in the Tampa Bay community. As part of the Magic Monday program, the participants join Rays players on the field for batting practice and serve as honorary coaches for the national anthem before enjoying the game in a suite. In addition, these groups participate in the annual Rays Baseball Magic Clinic at Tropicana Field. The players, alongside their buddies, experience the magic of Rays baseball in various stations throughout the clinic, including a game on the field. Jason served as a pitcher for the Baseball Magic Clinic in 2023.
Before every Tuesday home game at Tropicana Field, the Rays host a child from the Make-A-Wish Foundation or Children¡¯s Dream Fund at the ballpark as part of a special program called Tuesday¡¯s Champion. Tuesday¡¯s Champion presented by RIPA & Associates invites the kids, along with their families, to be on the field during batting practice where they can meet and interact with Rays players and coaches. The children selected for the program are battling life-threatening illnesses. Jason went above and beyond to visit with each child and their families, developing relationships and staying in touch with the families to hear how the children¡¯s treatment and progress are going.
Jason has visited Ronald McDonald Houses, not only in St. Petersburg, Fla., but also on road trips throughout the season. Alongside teammates, he has taken time to give back on the road, serving meals at local Ronald McDonald Houses, which keep families close to their children while receiving treatment in pediatric hospitals.
Jason also supported youth education programs, including Reading with the Rays. Reading with the Rays presented by Suncoast Credit Union encourages kids to avoid summer reading loss by participating in a fun and interactive reading program over the summer months. More than 540,000 Tampa Bay-area school children have participated since its inception. In 2023, Jason hosted a reading event at the DePaul School for Dyslexia.
In the clubhouse, prior to games, Jason can often be found completing crossword puzzles. He was one of two players to represent the Rays at this year¡¯s Voices of Hope for Aphasia ¡°Word Play¡± crossword puzzle themed gala. Voices of Hope for Aphasia¡¯s mission is to reconnect people living with aphasia, in the Tampa Bay area and across the country, with their lives through innovative programs.
Beyond the baseball season, Jason works closely with several other nonprofit organizations. He and his wife Kelsey are passionate about International Justice Mission, a global organization that protects people in poverty from violence by rescuing victims, bringing criminals to justice, restoring survivors to safety and strength, and helping local law enforcement build a safe future that lasts. The Adams also are involved with Compassion International, working to end child poverty.
The Rays are proud of Jason Adam¡¯s dedication to the community and serving others. He exemplifies what it means to be a leader and serves as a great role model to young people and those in the community he serves.