Marlins Edge Yankees 5-3; MLB’s Baseball Assistance Team Sets New Fundraising Record

The Miami Marlins secured a 5-3 victory over the New York Yankees on Sunday, April 5, 2026. The contest, which concluded at 1:35 PM, saw Miami maintain control to take the win in an early-season clash that highlights the competitive volatility of the current campaign.

While the scoreline provides the immediate headline for the Gameday action, the broader Major League Baseball community is celebrating a significant milestone off the field. The Baseball Assistance Team (B.A.T.) has announced a record-breaking fundraising effort, signaling a strong commitment from the league’s personnel to support those in need.

B.A.T. Achieves Historic Funding Milestone

During the 2026 Spring Training Fundraising Tour, the Baseball Assistance Team raised a record $5,391,310 in commitments. This figure marks the fifth consecutive fundraising record for the organization, demonstrating an increasing trend of generosity within the professional baseball ecosystem.

The record total was made possible through contributions from 1,639 individuals, including players, coaches, and front office personnel across all 30 MLB Clubs. This collective effort ensures that the organization can continue its mission to provide confidential support to members of the “Baseball Family” who have fallen on hard times.

For those unfamiliar with the organization, B.A.T. Operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity affiliated with Major League Baseball. It serves as a critical safety net for a wide array of individuals who have dedicated their lives to the game but now face financial or personal hardship.

Leadership Transition: Eduardo Pérez Takes the Helm

Alongside the fundraising success, the organization is entering a new era of leadership. Eduardo Pérez has been named the president of the Baseball Assistance Team, succeeding Buck Martinez, who served in the role from 2020 through 2026.

Pérez joins a structured leadership team that includes Vice Presidents Mark Letendre and Gary Thorne, and Executive Director Erik Nilsen. The organization is supported by a comprehensive Board of Directors featuring figures such as Steve Garvey, Todd Helton, and Adam Jones, among others.

The operational scale of the charity has also grown, with the organization employing a staff of 34 people as of 2026 to manage its endowment and private donations.

Defining the ‘Baseball Family’

The scope of B.A.T.’s eligibility is broad, ensuring that the legacy of the sport is honored across different eras and roles. Assistance is not limited to former Major League stars; it extends to a diverse group of contributors to the game’s history.

Eligible recipients include:

• Former players from the Major and Minor Leagues.
• Former players of the Negro Leagues and the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.
• Umpires, scouts, and athletic trainers.
• MLB and MiLB team personnel with at least two years of service.
• Former Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) employees.
• Widows, widowers, and children of the above individuals under the age of 23.

Founded in 1986 during Commissioner Peter Ueberroth’s tenure, the organization was created specifically as a mechanism for the league and its current players to care for their predecessors. By maintaining a confidential application process, B.A.T. Allows former professionals to seek assist without compromising their privacy.

Looking Ahead

As the 2026 season progresses, the focus returns to the diamond and the standings. The Marlins will gaze to build on the momentum of their 5-3 win over New York, while the league continues to monitor the impact of the record-breaking B.A.T. Funds on the lives of former baseball personnel.

Official updates regarding upcoming schedules and further charitable milestones will be released via MLB’s primary communication channels.

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