Fanatics is a sports apparel manufacturer that makes jerseys for some of the greatest athletes in the world.
But yesterday they changed course just a little bit when they announced they are halting production of jerseys immediately after coming to an agreement with Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred.
Instead, Fanatics will focus its efforts on manufacturing apparel for the another set of heroes—when they announced they would be manufacturing one million medical masks and gowns that they will donate to hospitals and emergency staff across Pennsylvania.
Michael Rubin, the chairman of Fanatics, said that the company will have approximately 100 people working to help create the masks and gowns. The workers will also be given extra space to help ensure that they avoid being at higher risk of getting sick during the COVID-19 pandemic. Rubin’s decision came after Pennsylvania’s governor and attorney general each reached out to him and shared the dire need for more medical supplies in the state. Fanatics also hopes to make enough to start donating more gowns and masks to New Jersey and New York.
It’s wonderful to see so many people stepping up to help in whatever way they can during the COVID-19 pandemic. Between the actions of team owners, professional athletes, and leagues, sports is proving that the community means just as much to it as the teams do to fans.
ESPN / MLB
(photo: Getty Images)