Reds ace Hunter Greene makes big play off the field by donating 6,000 cleats & more to help young baseball players affected by LA wildfires

The LA wildfire has disrupted the lives of several individuals including young baseball players who have to be evacuated to safety and leave their residences, ballpark and schools. Amid tough times, California native Hunter Greene has made an effort for them.

The Cincinnati Reds pitcher has stepped up in a major way to help young athletes affected by the devastating wildfires that have ravaged parts of Los Angeles, including the Palisades, Malibu and Alta areas.

On Monday, Greene announced via social media that he is distributing free baseball cleats — valued at $100 per pair — to high school and college baseball players impacted by the fires. The cleats, available in sizes ranging from 9.5 to 15, are being handed out to players who show proof of residency in the affected regions.

"I've got FREE baseball cleats (Value $100 a pair NEW, Metal Spikes ONLY, sizes 9.5-15) for all the travel ball, high school and college baseball players affected by the Palisades, Malibu and Altadena fires. Must show proof of residency. Reach out to my community service team manager, Melissa here on my direct message. MUST pickup at my Santa Clarita, CA wharehouse. Spread the word, while supplies last," he wrote on X.

The initiative has already made more than 2,000 cleats available to ballplayers, with Greene’s family actively involved in the effort. Working from his warehouse, Greene and his parents have been on the ground, personally distributing supplies.

Greene also shared in his message that his community service team have used the platform to supply more than 6,000 cleats and other baseball resources to players worldwide.⁠

Not the first time Hunter Greene has given back to his community in LA

Hunter Greene has always been at the forefront of giving back to where he grew up.

Last year in February, Greene visited his alma mater, Notre Dame High School, for a ceremony which honored the 2024 recipients of The Hunter Greene ‘17 Endowed Scholarship Fund.

This scholarship aims to bridge financial gap for African American students and create an equal opportunity for underprivileged societies.

"I wanted to create an opportunity for a lot of these amazing students that come here," Greene said via MLB.com. "I went to Notre Dame High School, I know the opportunities that were given to me. There [are] the right people here that care about students' growth -- not just as a student, but as a person."

"To be able to come here to Notre Dame and feel the support," Greene added, "and to have the financial support to be able to finish their schoolwork, be able to finish four years here and go on to pursue their dreams, whether it's going into college or into their professional careers, that was really the spirit of creating [the scholarship fund]."

Such contributions are expected to continue from Hunter Greene as he asks the LA community to hold strong amid these devastating wildfires.