Red Sox stars Rob Refsnyder, Garrett Whitlock, and Tanner Houck have unique reasons for championing The Jimmy Fund

Rob Refnsyder, Garrett Whitlock and Tanner Houck of the Boston Red Sox talked about their work in support of the Jimmy Fund. The Jimmy Fund, which was established in 1948, benefits Boston's Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

The Red Sox have partnered with the organization since 1953 to help with the institute's efforts in treating cancer, and one player from the team is picked as the 'Jimmy Fund Captain' every year. This year, Garrett Whitlock assumes that responsibility.

Appearing on the New England Sports Network (NESN), Whitlock talked about the impact of visiting patients (0:17).

"It was fantastic, anytime you get to be around the kids, adults and families, you can't help but smile. It's such an infectious personality of joy and happiness, you can't help but be super excited."

Starting pitcher Tanner Houck also talked about the experience of working with the Jimmy Fund (1:40).

"I think it puts your life into perspective. Just in terms of giving back to the community, I think Red Sox nation is incredible in that sense. This is my foruth year participating in the Jimmy Fund, and each year I feel like I get even more involved."

"I see how much it impacts the kids and the families, getting them to come to Fenway Park and going to visit them, the little things make a lot of difference. It's something we are very passionate about."

Right fielder Rob Refnsyder, who is also supporting the fund with Whitlock and Houck, talked about how it's something that holds significant personal value for him.

"My mother struggled with breast cancer, so it hits directly at home. I think a lot of us can attest to something similar happening to a friend or family member."

"It embodies the best of Boston. Just having the community come together to raise money for those that need it is so engrained in our culture."

Refsnyder, Red Sox walk off to beat Rangers in thriller

The Boston Red Sox beat the Texas Rangers 5-4 in a nailbiter on Monday. It took extra innings to decide the outcome of this one as the hosts walked off in the bottom of the 10th inning.

Monday's events were a much-needed return to winning ways for the Red Sox, who came into Monday's contest on the back of three consecutive losses to the in-form Houston Astros.

The game-winner on the day was Rob Refsnyder, who had played a key role at the plate in his team's victory. The 33-year-old recorded two hits along with the all-important game-winning RBI, cueing wild celebrations at Fenway Park.

The Red Sox take on the Texas Rangers in game two of the three-game series on Tuesday, with the race for wildcard spots heating up.