Just a few weeks into the new season, White Sox closer David Robertson is making an impact both on and off the field. During this past offseason, the White Sox signed Robertson to a 4-year, $46 million deal. Robertson cemented himself as a legitimate closer in 2014 after he saved 39 games in 44 attempts for the New York Yankees. This season, Robertson has saved both games he attempted and has struck out 8 batters in just 4 innings pitched. Off the field, Robertson has been even more sensational.
After an EF-4 tornado ripped through David’s hometown of Tuscaloosa in 2011, he and his wife Erin started High Socks For Hope, a non-profit corporation aiming to “help those affected by tornadoes, hurricanes and other natural disasters.” The Robertson’s foundation helped to furnish newly built homes and apartments in Alabama after the tornado. High Socks For Hope has also helped Hurricane Sandy victims of Staten Island, New York.
On April 9, two people were killed while 20 more were injured when a series of tornadoes ran through north-central Illinois. Winds were reported as being up to 200 mph in some places and one tornado destroyed almost every structure in the town of Fairdale. That tornado was categorized as an EF-4, the same as the one that hit Tuscaloosa in 2011.
High Socks For Hope has already distributed over 200 hot meals to the Illinois communities affected by the recent tornadoes and more help is being planned.
“It seemed like Illinois got hit pretty hard. We’ll continue to try to help out any way possible. We’re going to continue to try and raise money and figure out how best to help the community,” said Robertson. Robertson himself commits $100 for every strikeout and $200 for each save. He has raised more than $13,000 to date.
For more information on David Robertson’s High Socks For Hope, visit his website: http://www.highsocksforhope.com/
