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PITTSBURGH PIRATES
AGE: 29
POSITION: Catcher
BIRTHPLACE: San Diego, CA
RESIDES: Manhattan Beach, CA
HIGH SCHOOL: Torrence, CA HS
PERSONAL: Single, 1 son
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Since
1997, Jason Kendall has donated his time and money to
the Salvation Army of Western Pennsylvania. His on-field
performance commitment raises money for the “Round
Up for the Hungry” and Youth Community programs.
During the 2001 season, Jason personally donated more
than $22,000 to assist the Salvation Army. He is also
involved in the “Project Bundle-Up” program.
Each fall, Jason and his teammates take underprivileged
children shopping for winter clothes. Four seasons ago,
he established “Kendall’s Kids” to provide
children the opportunity to see Pirates games. Jason entertains
the kids throughout the season in his personal suite at
PNC Park. He was honored as the 1998 recipient of the
Salvation Army Community Service Award. In 2000, Jason
befriended a 16 year-old “wish” kid from the
Make-A-Wish Foundation. His time and personal commitment
made a dramatic impact on this person’s life. In
2002, Jason began developing a friendship with a 6 year-old
girl from Make-A-Wish. He spent considerable personal
time visiting her over the course of the season and has
continued to keep in touch through the off-season. Jason
was honored with the 2001 Dapper Dan Award, presented
annually to a Pittsburgh sports figure in recognition
of outstanding achievement on a national level.
Jason
is the son of a 12-year Major League catcher, Fred Kendall.
In 2003, Jason led all catchers for the second straight
year with 145 starts. He was selected as a member of the
1998 and 2000 NL All-Star teams.
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