Blue Jays: Bo Bichette, Springer, Romano, Espinal host "Play Ball" event in Florida

Last week, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reported on Blue Jays star shortstop Bo Bichette giving back to his community, providing financial support to the Police Athletic League, or PAL, in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Bichette, 24, was said to have provided this support in the midst of a significant event in his career - negotiating his salary via arbitration. Just a day after we shared our thoughts on his helping out the PAL, he and the Blue Jays agreed to a three-year deal that will remove any contract drama from the equation (at least for the time being).

After playing high school ball in the area at Lakewood High, Bichette felt the need to give back to the community. On Saturday morning, he showed up in St. Petersburg to host a "Play Ball" experience, bringing some friends along with him.

Per Topkin in his latest piece, Bichette brought teammates Jordan Romano, George Springer and Santiago Espinal with him to host a youth program that helped around 60 kids particiate in baseball and softball drills.

Bichette functioned as the underhanded pitcher to the kids while Springer was the catcher. After the hitting drills, the players and children moved on to baserunning and fielding exercises.

This marks the second time in the past month that Jays players have returned home and given back to their communities. Two weeks ago, it was Alek Manoah giving back to his hometown of Homestead, Florida, alongside teammates Adam Kloffenstein and Espinal.

It seems that the time of fans calling Bichette a selfish "me first" type of human being and baseball player may be a thing of the past. He is doing what he can to show the Blue Jays and their fans that he has what it takes to be a franchise player both on and off the field for the long run.