For the Boston Red Sox, baseball isn't simply about making money. It's about earning the respect and support of fans and making the community a better place.
On Thursday, Red Sox veteran relief pitcher Julian Tavarez, first baseman Kevin Youkilis, bench coach Brad Mills, and up-and-coming pitchers Craig Breslow, Kason Gabbard and Phil Seibel joined mascot Wally the Green Monster as the Boston Red Sox 2006 Holiday Goodwill Tour made several stops in central Connecticut.
The tour stops, which are part of the team's annual program that visits all six New England states, allowed the players to visit with fans and help raise money for Canine Companions for Independence (CCI), a nonprofit organization.
"What we are doing is about coming out here to help a good cause and to touch base with all of our fans," said Youkilis. "Our fans support us all year long and it's important to give back to them and help those less fortunate."
During a stop at Macy's in Westfarms Mall, the players met with fans and signed autographs during a fundraiser designed to help CCI construct a new facility in Medford, N.Y., said Ron Knell, executive director of the CCI Northeast Region.
CCI, a company that specializes in training golden retrievers to handle tasks such as opening doors, shutting lights and retrieving objects for the disabled, first began working with the Red Sox about five years ago and have since put out three different calendars, Knell said.
"The proceeds from these calendars are instrumental in this campaign," Knell said. "We can't say enough about how important their contribution is for our organization."
Knell said that since the World Series year, the last time a calendar was created, the partnership has helped raise thousands during similar events. On Thursday, CCI was able to sell more than 250 calendars featuring the company's dogs and Red Sox stars such as Manny Ramirez, Mike Lowell, Curt Schilling and others.
While the CCI program was the only public stop in the state, it didn't prevent the group from brightening the spirits of fans in need.
Following an interview a WTIC, the players visited children and residents at the Wheeler Group Home in Plainville. The event, which was closed to the public, gave players a chance to meet individually and make some Christmas wishes come true.
"I was blessed with the opportunity to play baseball and be in a position where I can make a difference for these fans," Youkilis said.