Blue Jays: Bo Bichette continues to make impact off the field

Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette continues to give back, turning his on-field success into a chance to help others less fortunate than himself.

As Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports, Bichette is providing financial support, of an undisclosed amount, to the Police Athletic League (PAL) baseball program at St. Petersburg’s Jackson Recreation Center at Wildwood Park.

According to Topkin, through this project, formally known as PAL/Wildwood Baseball Powered by Bo Bichette, he is helping provide uniforms, equipment, registration fees, coaching and other costs for roughly 100 boys and girls from the ages of 5-14.

Bo himself played high school ball in the area for Lakewood High, which might help explain why he has such a deep connection to the community.

"Since I’ve been in high school it’s always been something I wanted to help with when I came back and had the opportunity to. So to just have this opportunity to allow kids to play baseball for free is just something that’s been on my mind."

Bo Bichette, via Marc Topkin

As the Jays' 2022 Roberto Clemente Award nominee, Bichette has made a point of giving back to his hometown St. Petersburg community throughout his career. This isn't the young star's first time helping PAL; he's been involved with after-school programs and clinics for years.

Topkin illustrates Bichette's dedication to the program, explaining how in the past, he has arranged for PAL and Lakewood kids to attend games at Dunedin and Tropicana Field, providing bus transportation, tickets, Jays gear and some face time on the field. He has done clinics and camps and sponsored a back-to-school shoe giveaway for kids at St. Pete rec centers.

While most of the Bo Bichette news this week will revolve around his upcoming, much-anticipated arbitration hearing, it's good to keep in mind that he is as dedicated to helping others off the field as he is to his craft on the field.